The Maple Leaf Forever

One thing in my life that remains a constant is the love of my country.

Here are a few lessons I will never forget.

I was taught to wear a uniform. They made me proud of it.

I swore an oath. They made me keep it.

I have walked a mile in someone else's boots. They made me walk one more.

I've stood in the snow with no hope of warmth. They said, "spring is right around the corner."

I've slept in a ditch. They said, "at least you don't have to polish the floor."

I have felt pain. They said, "it was weakness leaving my body."

I will never forget. They said, "damn right."

I realise adversity is part of life. They said, "suffrage is optional."

I signed a blank check made payable to "The People of Canada", for an amount "up to and including my life." They said, "If need be, we will collect."

I hope I have earn the right to call myself, a Canadian. They said, "YOU HAVE."

Maple leaf forever.

The Maple Leaf Forever Origin.

Penned appropriately enough in 1867 Canada's Confederation year, The Maple Leaf Forever enthusiastically celebrates our history and European roots. Unlike "O Canada", which is changed to make it politically correct from time to time, The Maple Leaf Forever proudly proclaims the real origins of this country.

It was written by school teacher Alexander Muir (1830-1906) who was then principal of Leslieville Public School in Toronto's East End . Maple Cottage, the house at Memory Lane and Laing Street in which Muir lived and a huge maple tree, which legend tells us inspired his composition, still stand.

Now you know.

MAPLE LEAF FOREVER