The Maple Leaf Forever

Canada suffers from an identity crisis, but every July 1st the people seem to unite under one flag and one nationality. We stand and share the honourable notions of tolerance and freedom of choice. Trouble is, it never lasts beyond the party in Ottawa. But if we look at Quebec, we find a very strong sense of nationalism and cultural identity. In fact, most Canadians are probably jealous of Quebecers for being so darn proud of themselves.
 
In Canada, June 24th is commonly known as St. Jean Baptiste Day. In Quebec it is known as fête du Nationale [Quebec National Holiday] which has a different connotation. The former celebrated the summer solstice; the latter became historically significant in 1834 when Ludger Duvernay, wanted to form the Saint Jean Baptiste Society. It was designed for the Quebecois who were upset by a similar celebration for the Irish, namely St. Patrick's Day. [Cultural differences were very strong in those days] Quebecers wanted their own holiday and they got one.
 
By 1849 the group was officially chartered and recognized by the government. In 1908, Pope Pius X designated John the Baptist as the patron saint of Quebec, thus solidifying the day politically and religiously. In 1977, the government of René Lévesque designated June 24th as a "national" holiday. But the key event was on June 24, 1880. At a meeting of the Society, the first National Congress of French Canadiens was formally created. To mark the occasion, a new song was commissioned by the Society. It was called: "O Canada."
 
I hope the irony doesn't go unnoticed.
 
That's just my opinion. I could be wrong.