Today, July 1st is my country’s big day–Canada Day. My country is 158 years old so it is still very young. I have always felt proud being Canadian. When my grandparents came from China in the early 1900’s, it was supposedly a land of opportunities for this was a very young country. It was a lie for the country was still ruled by racists and strong prejudicial feelings towards any non-white foreigner who was willing to work hard at any menial job just to survive and raise a family. Both my parents were born in Canada, but not recognized as Canadians. It was a hard life for them too because racism and prejudice still ruled. When World War 2 broke out, young Chinese men enlisted to fight for an adopted country who didn’t want them. My father helped build ships. They fought a war that semi-promised they would have citizenship as Canadians when the war ended. It wasn’t until 1949 when Chinese Canandians were allowed to vote, giving them the opportunity to finally enter business, universities and pursue professional careers.

My brother, sister and I were fortunate. By the time we were born, people were more open-minded in their thinking. Education and opportunities were there if one was willing to work hard. My classmates and I did. There were engineers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, accountants–even politicians and judges. Times were changing and Canada was growing.

Today, my fellow Canadians and I are sharing strong patriotic feelings for our country. We are made up of thousands of immigrants who, like my grandparents, built up generations of their families, making Canada their forever home. Asians, Europeans, Middle -Easterners, Africans–any one wanting to start a new life–all contributed their cultures, foods and skills to make Canada special. The First Nations people, who were here first, have fought long and hard to be recognized too. We all have a history. We all have a story.

July 1st will see new Canadians proudly taking the oath of allegiance to their new country. Many will be grateful for the opportunities to choose their own paths; the freedom to speak and write their thoughts; the freedom to travel wherever they w ish. I can’t imagine living in a country with a dictator who rules using terror and fear 24/7. And if your thinking is not along the lines of the dictator, then you are labeled a subversive, a dissident, a trouble-maker.

I hope and pray Canada will never be that. We need to speak out freely. We need to disagree if something doesn’t seem right. President Trump said Canadians were difficult people. We’re not. He just hasn’t learned the art of respect, diplomacy, friendship, compromise and fair negotiations. He can’t run a country like a television show. Pointing a finger and yelling, ‘You’re fired!’ just isn’t acceptable. And, he can’ t take another country just because he wants to.

I feel grateful and proud that I’m a Canadian. Today my walking route was through the Village and along the water, but the Canadian flag was fluttering in the breeze everywhere. Thanks to my grandparents who came to this country and put down roots for all the generations to follow. Their perseverence, determination and hard work, despite all the difficulties, made the members of my family what they are today.

Canada Day is a celebration that Canada is its own unique country. Yes, we still have growing pains and bumps in the road as we navigate our future. After all, my country is only 158 years old. But we will never be the 51st state for our American neighbors. I live near the US border and American visitors to my city will always be warmly welcomed. I have many friends and some family in the US. Visits across the border have always been friendly and fun. But forgive me if I travel within my own country for the next little while.

As Canadians celebrate with enthusiasm and joy July 1st, I wish all my American friends and family the same for their July 4th. No matter what side of the border we live in, people are the same. We all want a peaceful existance with democracy in full display. This is what we all fought for in our long histories. And, this is what we all want to firmly hold.