Birthday Celebration in USA & Canada

Facing Your Giants

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Canada Day

CANADA DAY

Information from: http://www.pch.gc.ca/PROGS/CPSC-CCSP/JFA-HA/canada_e.cfm


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 the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North 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 Dominion Day.
There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary, except for the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.

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

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

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

The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name "Festival Canada", was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.

A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government 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 activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The same approach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.

On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became "Canada Day".
Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided by the Department to those committees.

Snack Time in Alaska

Alaska, one of my favorite North American destinations, is breath-takingly beautiful. I'm sure you'll agree from these pictures. (Pictured on the left is Denali as locals call it. Also known as Mt. McKinley, is North America's tallest peak.) I've had the privilege of sitting in the co-pilots seat in a small plane and flying right up to and around the peak. What an awe inspiring view.


To catch the a funny moment in Alaska...be sure to check the link at the end of this posting for the "snack time photo".

Although I can't take credit for these pictures, they represent some of the gorgeous sights I've seen from several cabin experiences and late nights of watching the skies. The Northern Lights below are a great example of God's relationship with us. The Aurora is a good nature object lesson that demonstrates the way the Holy Spirit works in one's life. We cannot see the solar particles as they are emitted by the sun in the heavens, but we can see their effect when they enter the earth's atmosphere, and it is a beautiful thing to behold. Similarly, we cannot see the Holy Spirit that is sent to us by the Son in Heaven, but we can see the Holy Spirit's effect in a person's life, and it is a beautiful thing to behold.

Snapshots from Alaska's wildlife: http://www.alaskasharvest.com/album/5/pic7.htm

Note: Stock photos obtained from http://www.alaskaphotographics.com/alaska_photos.shtml

Winning at the Grocery Game! How to Save $$$!

Just over a week ago, I met up with a girl friend and we went shopping at our favorite grocery chain in Portland. "New Seasons" markets are locally owned and operated and specialize in earth friendly products and organic foods. They believe in supporting sustainable farming methods and buy locally whenever possible.

While the food and service is excellent, the bill is becoming staggering. Both of us purchased 2 bags of groceries...ok we bought special body products which substantially affected the outcome of our bills...but truly $100 doesn't buy what it use to.

Here are a few tips to help win at the grocery game: http://finance.yahoo.com/expert/article/moneyhappy/86082