Canada

[slohairt]

I know I'm straying a bit off-topic here, but I witnessed a lot of vicious Anti-Americanism when I lived in Ireland. Especially from the younger generation (of which I am part). The treatment meted out to the older American tourists was a bit better (they were probably spending a lot of money) but bad things were said as soon as they were out of earshot. The younger Americans, particularly backpackers or students, were often blatantly insulted or ripped off on a regular basis. It was assumed straight-away that they were "Plastic Paddies" in search of shillelaghs and leprechauns. Sure, some of them were, but most were just abroad for the first time and trying to experience and enjoy a different culture. I was often ashamed by my own Irish countrymen.

As a fellow North American, I felt a certain kinship with the Americans I met, who were overwhelmingly friendly for the most part. In fact they were often friendlier than the Canadians I met! It probably helped that, because of my accent, I myself was constantly mistaken for being an American! Most of the Americans upon hearing that I was Canadian didn't really consider me foreign. I know some might find that insulting but I didn't at all. It wasn't a matter of treating my citizenship as second-class, but rather acknowledging our similarities, which is something people in general should do more often.

[BEEDEE]

Piob Bear - I have stood at Vimy Ridge and seen the memorial there as well as numerous Canadian graves in the Somme from WWI. I'm a New Zealander so well aware of the contribution the the Commonwealth Countries made in WWI, WWII and the Korean War. You omitted to mention that the Canadians sent troops at the beginning of both WWI and WWII, not several years later!!

Brian

[cloves]

PioBear,
Thanks for standing up for us Canucks.
Admittedly, I don't know much about the military and have very mixed feelings when it comes to the current war in the middle east. I do know one thing for sure though and it's that the men and women who put their lives on the line (no matter where from) standing up for the things they believe in deserve our respect.

[The Wizard of BC]

PiobBear,
As Canada is my adopted country, and as I have served in the US Military, and as I hear far too much anti-Canadian/anti-US BS tossed across the border, I would like to thank you for posting that.
It should also be noted that during WWI the worlds first gas attack was directed against Canadians.
In WWII it was Canadians who liberated The Netherlands. (One city by only four men, one which was blind) For which many Dutch cities have adopted Canadians and each year hold celebrations to thank Canada for their freedom.
In Korea during the "Frozen Chosen" campaign USMC General "Chesty" Puller is most famous for saying, and I paraphrase, "What, we're totally surrounded? That's great, no matter which way we shoot we can kill them." But he also said later "I have no idea where our American lines are, but see that flag way over there on that mountain, that's the Canadians. Go that way."
And if you have ever seen the movie "Hotel Rwanda" the real-life person played by Nick Nolte was the Canadian commander in charge of the UN forces in that country.

Let the word go forth, Canada is not just the big pink area, north of the US, on your grade school map.

[elitekiltedcommando]

I like Canadians. They make good Maple Syrup... Oh, and bacon. Can't forget the bacon...

[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).

[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.