Happy 144th Birthday, Canada! Living only one hour from our nation's capitol, I had the privilege of celebrating Canada Day in Ottawa this year. In 2008 I went with my friend's family. We went early enough that we got to stand right in the spot on Parliament Hill where the Prime Minister and Governor General exit the vehicle and greet citizens as they make their way up the path to the stage. This year, however, was entirely different. This year, our new Royal Couple, Prince William and Catherine, were in our midst. Just weeks ago I arose early in the wee hours of the morning to watch the Royal Wedding. And today I was just a stone's throw from the same celebrated couple!
This year I attended Canada Day with the same family as before. We parked far away from downtown and rode our bikes in on the bike path. It was a lovely ride along the Ottawa River. We came up behind Parliament, locked up our bikes, and joined the merry, red-and-white throng of Canadians on Rideau. Parliament Hill had been full for hours of eager people who had camped overnight or since the early morning. We found a spot along the barricade to wait for the carriage to pass us by. We waited for over an hour and a half. The crowds pressed in closer and closer until we could hardly breathe and sweat was pouring down our backs. Everytime someone around me shuffled, I inched my way in closer and closer (I was told you have to be aggressive). Just before they were to arrive my camera announced the memory card was full. At least I'd remembered to charge the batteries! Thankfully I found another memory card in my bag - just in the nick of time. When the carriage passed by I was almost up to the barricade. Everyone was screaming and cheering. Kate was gorgeous in a cream dress and red maple leaf fascinator. After that exciting moment, we had to watch the rest of the action on the massive screen. 
During the singing of Oh Canada, with nearly half a million Canadian citizens around me proudly belting out our national anthem, I was overwhelmed with patriotism and thankfulness to live in such a diverse, beautiful, peaceful, and free country. My arm was aching as I held my camera high in an attempt to capture the song but I sang along with my fellow citizens. It was indeed a special moment that I'll never forget.
We weren't able to stay for the incredible fireworks display but I did have a chance to see them last time. Fireworks are one of my favourite things in life. As is Canada Day, and wearing my annual Canada Day tattoo on my cheek. Biking back along the quiet pathway, we stopped for a rest and stuck our feet in the Ottawa River to cool ourselves off. Such a dramatic change from the bustling, overcrowded downtown core. Tonight I'll be attending the local fireworks display in my own little down. Today I am so very proud to be Canadian!
