Prompted by the death of four young soldiers in Afganistan,
David Meadows, a retired naval captain and author wrote the following:
"Canada is like a close uncle who constantly argues, badgers, and complains about what you are doing, but when help is truly needed, you can’t keep him away: he’s right there along side you.
We have a unique relationship with Canada. We have different political positions on many issues, but our unique friendship has weathered world wars, global crises and the every so often neighbourhood disagreement.
Meadows says he was in the Pentagon during the 9/11 attacks, when the US closed it’s airspace and dozens of planes were diverted to Canada. Canada rapidly mobilized its forces. Within hours, the Canadian Navy was on alert with ships preparing immediately for any US port to help victims. Canada’s Disaster Assistance Response Team prepared to deploy from Trenton, Ont. Canada dispersed CF 18 fighter aircraft to strategic locations throughout Canada.
No politics. No negotiating. No questions. They were just there. Canada would have fought any adversary that approached the United States that day.
Canada is more than a neighbour. It is a close family member with the gumption to disagree with its brother to the south but always there when disaster strikes and America needs help.
For that, I salute you, Canada, and extend my respect for the sacrifices given by members of the Canadian Forces.
I have met exactly two canadians that I did not like and many others that were just fine. And of the two I didn’t like, it had nothing to do with her being Canadian. They’re all over the place down here in Florida.
elbows I was in Vancouver BC on 9/11. I saw first hand the jumbo jets parked wing tip to wing tip down the runway at YVR. I saw the people that jumped into their cars and drove to the airport to offer a spare room. So many local people did this they had to close the road to the airport, it was jammed. I talked to people that were put up by local hotels, and churches.
The weekend after 9/11 I was still in BC. I took a car and drove up the coast from Vancouver. About an hour up the coast, I came to a small town. Driving up the main street I saw the post office. On the roof were two flag poles. One flag pole had the Canadian flag at half mast. The other an American flag at half mast. In the middle of all that hate, it made me stop and cry that our neighbors liked us that much. I still wonder just where that American flag came from. Seeing that flag that day means more to me that I can tell.
Like an uncle? No I think it is more like a couple of cousins that make fun of each other. We make fun aboot the way you talk. You make fun of how we all seem to think you live in igloos, run dog sleds, and polar bears walk down the streets. But OG help anyone that messes with our cousin.
Canada is a great country full of real good people (and maybe a hoser or two) eh
Every now and them, my wife and I will see someone on TV and one of us will say: “There’s something not quite right about that person”, then it’s :smack: “Of course! They’re Canadian!”
Kidding! (sort of). I love you guys, and we so totally need your moderating influence here in this crazy hemisphere…thanks!
