Well....
Once every few days I've decided to post something related to Canadian history or facts... just to keep the educational ball rolling so to speak. So in keeping with the patriotic posts and signatures of some members I've decided to pass on something patriotic from Canada.
In the US there is the "Star Spangled Banner"... we have "O' Canada"; the US has "God Bless America" while Canada has "God Save The Queen" (or King). But does Canada have an equivalent to "America The Beautiful"?
Yep "The Maple Leaf Forever", written in 1867 for the Confederation of Canada by school teacher Alexander Muir (1830-1906). Now this song hasn't escaped the revisionism of political correctness, as some have found the original lyrics exclussionary.... but I'll post the original as there are currently to many "new" versions to post.... so here it is.
The Maple Leaf Forever
In Days of yore,
From Britain's shore
Wolfe the dauntless hero came
And planted firm Britannia's flag
On Canada's fair domain.
Here may it wave,
Our boast, our pride
And joined in love together,
The thistle, shamrock, rose entwined,
The Maple Leaf Forever.
CHORUS:
The Maple Leaf
Our Emblem Dear,
The Maple Leaf Forever.
God save our Queen and heaven bless,
The Maple Leaf Forever.
At Queenston Heights and Lundy's Lane
Our brave fathers side by side
For freedom's home and loved ones dear,
Firmly stood and nobly died.
And so their rights which they maintained,
We swear to yeild them never.
Our watchword ever more shall be
The Maple Leaf Forever
*CHORUS*
Our fair Dominion now extends
From Cape Race to Nootka Sound
May peace forever be our lot
And plenty a store abound
And may those ties of love be ours
Which discord cannot sever
And flourish green for freedom's home
The Maple Leaf Forever
*CHORUS*
Here is a link to a MIDI version of the song:
http://www.canadafirst.net/mapleaf.mid
Interesting factoid:
This song was piped (bagpipes) by the 48th Highlanders at the opening game of the Toronto Maple Leafs up until aproximately 20 years ago... and before home play-off games. The founder, Conn Smythe, of the Toronto Maple Leafs was also an officer in the 48th Highlanders during the First World War - he felt the song not only patriotic but intimidating for the other team.