Text 2257, 67 rader
Skriven 2005-06-30 01:09:44 av Greg Sears (1:153/307)
     Kommentar till en text av Wayne Harms
Ärende: Happy Canada Day
========================
G-day Mate, Happy Canada Day EH!    Some Background

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord
Monck,called upon all Her Majesty's loving subjects throughout Canada to join
in thecelebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the
BritishNorth America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July
1st.

The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name
DominionDay.

There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary,
exceptfor the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new
CentreBlock of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as
amemorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of
Canadiansfighting in the First World War in Europe.

The next celebration was held in 1927 to mark the Diamond Jubilee
ofConfederation. It was highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone by
theGovernor General of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and
theinauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of
Canada'snational day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of
thecoordination. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on
thelawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the
eveningfollowed by a mass band concert and fireworks display.

Another highlight was Canada's Centennial in 1967 when Her Majesty
QueenElizabeth II attended the celebrations with Parliament Hill again being
thebackdrop for a large scale official ceremony.

The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and
professionalconcerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised
show. Upuntil 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name "Festival
Canada",was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July
andinvolved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well
asmunicipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled
in1976 but was reactivated in 1977.

A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the
federalgovernment organization charged with planning Canada's Birthday
celebrations)stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all
across Canada."Seed money" was distributed to promote popular and amateur
activitiesorganized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The
sameapproach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition
offireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.

On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became
"CanadaDay".

Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province andterritory
to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally.Grants are
provided by the Department to those committees.



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