Something you
don’t see or hear very often
Tonight John and Marilyn invited
20 of us Canadian Snowbirders to their home, here in Hidden Springs, to
celebrate our friendship with good food and libations. Apparently it was Canadian Commonwealth
Day. Fortunately I googled it before we
went over because we didn’t have a clue what it was. There is little public awareness of it. The most descriptive definition I found said “Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the
second Monday of March. Commonwealth Day
is the day when Commonwealth countries, which represent a quarter of all
humanity, acknowledge their common bonds and the contribution of the Commonwealth of Nations to the creation of a harmonious global
environment. The holiday is celebrated with a different theme every year. The second Monday in March was chosen as
Commonwealth Day because it is a day when all schools throughout the
Commonwealth are in session. Commonwealth leaders agreed that the day should be
used to promote knowledge of the Commonwealth, particularly among the young
people of their countries. Since 1977, schools all over the Commonwealth have
organized special activities to promote the understanding of the association.
Many places hold events such as games, exhibitions and parties. There are folk
dancers and displays of national costumes, and parades of national flags. Many
children correspond with pen pals from schools in other Commonwealth countries.
Such activities are mainly designed to stimulate the children' s interest and make learning about the Commonwealth fun.”
Prompted by one of their guests,
all of us sang the Canadian National Anthem.
Do you know all of the words? The
Canadian National Anthem was followed by God Bless America
