The Beautiful

We Canadians have a national sport: that is we love to compare ourselves to our neighbours to the south. But it's only natural, I think. America is, in all respects, our big brother in the world. We all look up to our big brothers, sometimes resent them, sometimes argue with them, and sometimes seek their attention. But always, in the end, we love our big brother.

My personal relationship with America is similar. I am often frustrated by American government policies, and by certain aspects of American culture. However, each time I visit America, my respect for the American people deepens. American people always welcome me into their homeland with warmth and friendship. I admire the great achievements and confidence of the American spirit. I know and love my American friends whose personalities and generosity are as vast as the nation they inhabit.

These are the feelings that inspired this photo. Today is Independence Day, and I can't think of a better day on which to express them. On your day, America, I salute you.