National Anthems

[Limpy]

As you know Canada ended up having O Canada as its national anthem, but someolder types I've spoken to suggest that the national anthem should have been The Maple Leaf Forever. Having heard both (the Maple Leaf Forever is now a favorite song for me) I think the MLF should have been Canadas anthem. It's catchy, it makes historical reference to the struggle of the war of 1812 (freedom isn't free and just because it happened more than 150 yrs. ago we still owe people like General Brock and Tecumseh for the Canada we know today) and it can be played by the pipes! What do you think?

 

[Andyd513]

I think both have their place. My first time hearing The Maple Leaf Forever was by a local regimental band. Its a nice piece that can instill some national pride.

I think O Canada is lyrically more representative of what I'd wish for our anthem, and having played it many many times as part of my high school band its a simple piece of music at its basic level.

 

[mattoigta]

As you know Canada ended up having O Canada as its national anthem, but someolder types I've spoken to suggest that the national anthem should have been The Maple Leaf Forever. Having heard both (the Maple Leaf Forever is now a favorite song for me) I think the MLF should have been Canadas anthem. It's catchy, it makes historical reference to the struggle of the war of 1812 (freedom isn't free and just because it happened more than 150 yrs. ago we still owe people like General Brock and Tecumseh for the Canada we know today) and it can be played by the pipes! What do you think?

The first verse of MLF is referring to the 7 Years War around the 1750's, where Great Britain conquered New France, only the second verse is about the War of 1812. The rest of it is also about our British heritage, which a lot of people find it to not be representative of most Canadians (only 25% of Canada is of British decent). That's why it wasn't adopted as the National Anthem.

 

[ags281]

Bingo. Can you imagine any large number of francophones gladly singing the praises of "Wolfe the dauntless hero" while also giving the thistle, shamrock and rose credit without mention of the fleur de lys? Great song, love it, awesome choice for the credits of For King and Country, but not the best choice to represent all Canadians.

(for the record, I'm currently blasting the pipe version on my headphones as I type   ;D)

 

[Limpy]

It's true that the MLF is very British biased. But I think it should be played more often at public events and maybe in schools. I mean you don't have to be of British decent to recognize our system of government. I mean if it wasn't for Merry old England Canada wouldn't be for what we know it today. Besides, plenty of British gave up they're lives to keep the yanks on their side. We are still a Commonwealth country. But O Canada is fine I think.

 

[Bill Smy]

Here's a bit of info on O Canada:-

King Edward VIII had chosen the unveiling of the Vimy Memorial on 26 July 1936 to make his first appearance on the international stage since the death of his father, King George. And when he unveiled the memorial he did so as King of Canada.

"In the course of the ceremony he elevated what had hitherto been regarded as a pleasing patriotic song to the status of a National Anthem. The King stood bare-headed and at attention during the rendering of 'O Canada.'â ?  W. W. Murray, The Epic of Vimy (Ottawa, 1937), p 63.