As if it wasn’t enough that you guys took in a bunch of planes on 9/11 that might have been full of terrorists.
As if it wasn’t enough that you have committed your country’s resources to the war on terrorism, despite not being a target.
I recently had the privilege of meeting some Canadian firemen. I won’t say from where in Canada, or precisely when they were here – they were probably playing hooky, as have FDs from all over the United States.
It’s long past the time when the WTC site needs search and rescue assistance. So what were they doing in New York? “Well, you know. We came down to go to a couple of funerals, maybe mow some widows’ lawns or take kids to soccer practice, support the economy a bit, and we’re going home tomorrow.”
You guys are a pretty peaceful lot, not likely to make enemies. But if you ever do find yourselves in a jam, New York City has got your back.
Our EMT station just raised the flag back up a little bit ago.
I expect that there will be help like this all along. I mean, you’re like our big brother or something. We think you’re a little bit loud and sometimes don’t agree, but on the whole we’re glad you’re there.
You should have seen the national day of mourning here in Canada.
There was a tender ceremony in Ottawa that had a mourner turnout which appeared to rival, or even surpass, the amount of people who attend the Canada Day ceremony.
And every Canadian channel was pre-empted to air the ceremony. This included the two music channels, the cartoon network, the comedy network, and many others that I’m not thinking of. This has never been done before, not even on Canada Day.
I don’t think anything made the events of 9/11 more real to me than stepping out of my apartement, looking across the river toward the airport, and seeing the normally near-deserted tarmac lined with dozens and dozens of planes, each with an American flag emblazened on the tail. They were there 2 days, 2 nights, IIRC, and every one of those people was fed, clothed, and put up by a friendly Canadian.
And we can’t forget that Canadians lost people in that tragedy too, somewhere in the neighbourhood of 50 people.
On a lighter note, does anyone know when that simpsons is airing?
I was very impressed by the Canadians shown on video after the 9-11 tragedy singing our national anthem. I sure as hell don’t know the words to O’Canada! We’ve got great northern neighbors!
For your enjoyment, Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie will now perform their inspiring Canada Song. (2.5Mb .mp3 file.) Ah, warms this Canuck heart.
Ruby: I’d bet there are plenty of Canadians who don’t know the words to O Canada. It’s kind of an embarassment of an anthem, really. We should have based it on To Anacreon In Heaven, or something.
And let’s not forget how few people know the French version (which doesn’t translate into the English version):
O Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint
de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras
sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter
la croix!
Ton histoire
est une épopée
Des plus
brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur,
de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers
et nos droits.
Protégera nos foyers
et nos droits.
Actually, we’re the Kiwis of the North. You know, we live right next door to that louder, more obnoxious, more well-known country and nobody really knows anything much about us. Plus, we’re furry and sweet.
You guys are great neighbors. You don’t play your stereos too loud, you don’t take shortcuts across Montana, you don’t embarrass us by getting flashy new cars when we can’t afford a new one, you keep your lawn nice and neat. You’re just nice.
We only kid ya because we like ya. You do understand that, don’t you?
