Every year on July 1, the 37.06 million that call Canada home and Canadians across the world, celebrate the birth of our nation by honouring its history, the culture that formed from it and the achievements of its people.
While not officially called 'Canada Day' until Oct 27, 1982, Canadians have been celebrating on this day as early as one year after the country was formed under the Constitutional Act of 1867, formally referred to as the British North America Act.
A lot has changed about this annual celebration, since Governor General Lord Monck signed a proclamation requesting all Her Majesty's subjects across Canada celebrate on July 1, but the heart of this tradition has not.
Becoming a statutory holiday as the "anniversary of Confederation," later called "Dominion Day" in 1879, Canada Day is an opportunity to celebrate the nation's accomplishments and express pride in one's nationality.
Celebrations on this day are as diverse as the people that call the country home, but since 1981 fireworks have become a staple in festivities, joining crowds in communities across the country on this special day.
However you celebrate, take the time today to remember the Indigenous who cared for this land for generations, the brave men and women in our military who risk(ed) their lives to defend it, and those whose young futures depend upon it.
From all of us at Sudbury.com, Happy Canada day!
