Random Canadian Facts: Special Nay-Nay's Birthday Edition

What better way to celebrate Nay-Nay's birthday than with a post about Canada's birthday.

So, Nay-Nay, with your increased birthday wisdom, did you know that Canada was officially born on July 1st, 1867?

Coincidence or not, that day is awfully close to its American counterpart, Independence Day, on July 4th. Is it that we're so similar that we had to propagate country status at the same time of year? Perhaps.

Anyway, I won't bore you with details of confederation, but rather with details of the national holiday itself. It was only in 1879 that it was established as a national holiday. But, instead of the familiar and present "Canada Day" moniker, it was termed "Dominion Day."

Canadians tended not to celebrate this "Dominion Day" for quite a while after 1879. There was a 50th anniversary celebration in 1917 dedicated to the soldiers fighting in Europe and a 60th in 1927. Apparently we were interested in Diamond Jubilees at the time.

In 1958, our beloved government instituted an annual observance. It consisted of four things: Trooping the Colours, a sunset ceremony, a mass band display, and fireworks. The Queen herself was able to witness such grandeur in 1867 for the 100th year anniversary.

The celebration changed once again in 1968, and was even cancelled for a year in 1976. Finally in 1982, we sacked the name "Dominion Day" and decided to go with "Canada Day."

Information from (http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/jfa-ha/canada_e.cfm)