July 1st, 2010 Canada And The United States Peace Forever
July is an auspicious month for Canadians and Americans, both of whom are born of a common British heritage.
For Canadians July 1, 1867 is the day the British North America Act was enacted which created the Dominion of Canada. For Americans July 4, 1776 is the day of the Declaration of Independence.
American Independence
The 1776 Declaration of Independence, revered by all Americans as the foundation of their nation was written by Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson was a prolific writer. Although his works are readily available, it was not until Eric Peterson was inspired to compile Light and Liberty, “the book of inspiration that Thomas Jefferson never wrote, although every word here is his” that we have an amazing collection of his words on a variety of topics.
“After extensive study of Jefferson’s reports, state papers, speeches, and twenty thousand letters, [Eric Peterson] has elegantly woven together thirty-four concise essays of profound wisdom on how to lead a meaningful life, both as individuals and in our life as a nation. The subjects include patriotism and liberty, hope, forgiveness, patience, and humility, all considered in Jefferson’s uniquely rational and eloquent voice.”
If you don’t have this book, I suggest you get it and read it, no matter what country you are from. I’m sure it will have a profound effect on you like it did on me.
Click here to read more about Light and Liberty.
Canadian Independence
The United States declared total independence from Britain in 1776, but it was not until 1982 that the Parliament of Canada passed the Constitution Act requesting full political autonomy from Britain.
Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau was the driving force behind the 1982 Constitution Act.
In the following quote Trudeau expresses the aspiration of every Canadian:
“Our hopes are high. Our faith in the people is great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams for this beautiful country will never die.”
Having a national flag is also a form of independence. Nobel Peace Prize 1957, Lester B Pearson, and the Prime Minister responsible for adopting the red maple leaf as the symbol for the Canadian flag, said:
“Whether we live together in confidence and cohesion; with more faith and pride in ourselves and less self-doubt and hesitation; strong in the conviction that the destiny of Canada is to unite, not divide; sharing in cooperation, not in separation or in conflict; respecting our past and welcoming our future.”
Symbols Of Peace Between Canada And The United States
There are many visible testimonies to the harmony and cooperation between Canada and the United States. The following four are the most significant for me. I invite you to comment on these and tell us about others that inspire you.
The Peace Garden
“Devoted to World Peace, along the world’s longest unfortified border, lies a 2,339 acre Botanical Garden. Thousands of tourists are attracted to the garden, annually.
In June 1932, the Cairn of native stone was hurriedly constructed by stonemasons, William Paterson and his son, Edroy, of Rugby, North Dakota for the July 14, 1932 dedication. Over 50,000 people gathered for the dedication of the International Peace Garden. The Cairn is located directly on the United States and Canadian Border, flanked by each country’s flagpole on the designated side. The Cairn is built of aboriginal hammerheads collected by children in the surrounding areas. In July 17, 1960, the globe of red granite with etched meridian lines, a gift from Great Northern Railway Company of St. Paul, Minnesota, as a memorial to its founder, Canadian born James J. Hill, was added to the top of the Cairn.”
On the face of the Cairn it states: “To God in His Glory… We two nations dedicate this garden and pledge ourselves that as long as men shall live we will not take up arms against one another.”
Click here to read more about the Peace Garden
Waterton Lakes
“Waterton Lakes National Park and Glacier National Park (in the US) share the designation of an International Peace Park.
On May 2, 1932 and June 16, 1932 the American and Canadian Governments approved legislation for the creation of the world’s first International Peace Park. The International Peace Park is a symbol of peace and goodwill between the United States and Canada. It also represents the need for cooperation and stewardship in a world of shared resources.
This is not only reflected between countries, but also between provinces, with the Akamina-Kishinena class A provincial park in British Columbia, located on Waterton Park’s Western Border and Glacier’s northern border.
Today, both parks strive to strengthen their International Peace Park status through shared management, not only between themselves, but also with their other neighbours.”
Click here to read more about the Waterton Lakes International Peace Park
Peace Arch
There are three distinct missions of the United States Canada Peace Anniversary Association (USCPAA)
“One is to promote and preserve the unique heritage of peaceful relations between the United States and Canada. Integrating educational curricula relating to peace issues is an important part of this undertaking.
The second is the perpetuation of the Peace portal and the surrounding park areas for future generations.
Enhancing the serene and natural settings is the third. This is accomplished through the promotion of visual and performing arts, bringing together peoples sharing ideals of world harmony exemplified by the seamless border between the U.S. and Canada.”
Click here to read more about the Peace Arch
Niagara Falls, Sri Chinmoy Peace-Blossom
Sri Chinmoy, a spiritual teacher, who made his home in Queens New York, initiated the Sri Chinmoy Peace‐Blossoms Program where over 1100 landmarks around the globe have been dedicated to peace.
“The Peace‐Blossoms family offers daily reminders to thousands of individuals of our common quest for personal and international harmony. This family encompasses 152 Sri Chinmoy Peace‐Blossoms‐Nations, several borders between countries, half of the states of the US, many provinces, more than 200 capitals, cities and towns; striking man‐made structures such as the Taj Mahal and Sydney Opera House, and magnificent natural wonders as Mt. Everest, Mt. Fuji, the Matterhorn, Niagara Falls, Victoria Falls, Iguaçu Falls, and Lake Baikal.”
In the words of Sri Chinmoy:
“O dreamers of peace, come.
Let us walk together.
O lovers of peace, come.
Let us run together.
O servers of peace, come.
Let us grow together.”
To read more about Sri Chinmoy click here
And now I invite you to share your thoughts and feelings about peaceful relations between Canada and the United States on the occasion of our celebrating the anniversaries of our founding.
Tell us know if you know of any other peace initiatives between Canada and the United States.
And finally, how can our two great countries play a greater role in fostering peace and world harmony.
To our continued peace and harmony,
Joyce Friesen, Founder The Novalis Integra Center For Healing and Transformation
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