Canada

[An t-Ileach]

My grandfather was at Passchendaele.

You could have mentioned also that when the French army mutinied, the Canadian Expeditionary Force blocked the gap in the line and were the first people to be gassed in WWI.

And let's not forget the RCN in WWII doing convoy escort duty across the north Atlantic.

[PiobBear]

PiobBear, before you tar us all with the same brush, just remember your first four words: "Some drunk ignorant nitwit..."

I think he made it pretty clear that he was talking about one specific individulal and not a mass group of people.

No harm intended, but I'm not so sure.

I was in fact paraphrasing one specific individual with no intention of overgeneralizing. I apologize if I offended anyone by not expressing myself more clearly. However, I distinctly remember sentiments very similar in content, tenor, and tone being expressed four years ago by some political commentators, editorialists, and thinly veiled comments by certain public officials, and my complete and utter shock and dismay at seeing the Maple Leaf booed as it was carried onto the field at a Highland Games that year. While such sentiments are anomalous in the US, they're perhaps not as anomalous as we would wish.

And let's not forget the RCN in WWII doing convoy escort duty across the north Atlantic.

Quite so. The RCN began the war with 13 vessels, and ended it with the third largest navy in the world, with the responsability of the entire North Atlantic corridor. Without the convoys, Great Britain would not have been able to withstand the Battle of Britain and Operation Sea Lion. If you think the D-Day invasion of Europe from England 21 miles away was difficult, think of trying it from New York. Approximately 2,000 members of the RCN (and 1,600 merchant sailors) died during the Battle of the Atlantic, and 24 RCN vessels were sunk.

[Graham]

I don't know much about their military history, but I do know two things:
1. I've never met a Canadian I didn't like, I'm sure they are there, but when the Canadians one meets are always such nice people it kind of warms one to the place.
2. Of the countries I've never been to, Canada is at the top of my list (maybe next year....get the hemp out Robert!!). My son is there right now and loves it!
He's even found a church he really likes (and he is fussy, first Baptist in Banff I think).

[Bob C]

As an American, I'm often embarrassed by my countrymen and their simplistic stereotypes.

[Woodsheal]

As an American, I'm often embarrassed by my countrymen and their simplistic stereotypes.

Don't be. We Americans are more often the targets of "simplistic stereotypes" (and worse) around the globe, than the perpetrators of same....

[Macman]

Don't be. We Americans are more often the targets of "simplistic stereotypes" (and worse) around the globe, than the perpetrators of same....

I agree. I don't think any one country has a monopoly on this. There are "stereotypers" (is that a word?) all over the world, including Canada. I think the recent "Call to Arms" thread has provided a good example of one in Mr. Matthews.

[McMurdo]

How did I miss this thread? Thank you PioBear, even though I've said many times that both my parents were born in Scotland, I am very proud of my country, and they are very proud of their adopted country. it's nice to see so many standing up for Canada.

[slohairt]

You're right, Glen, good thread. I missed it too. At first I thought it was in regards to the comments/jokes made on that Fox 'News' show that happened awhile ago. I believe the death toll of Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan is now around 120 (?) Very sad indeed, but it still makes me proud to be a Canadian when reading of exploits both past and present.

[Je Suis Prest]

My Grandpa was in the Essex Scottish Regiment during WW2. Born in Scotland and became a true Canadian hero. One of many.

[Bigkahuna]

I will always stand up for my Brothers in Arms whether they be Canadian, British, Gurkha,Pathan or whatever. If they have fought on our side, they have my respect and gratitude.