Today is Remembrance Day in Canada - Nov. 11

 As a new Canadian, I have to admit I don't quite understand yet the significance of most Canada holidays or at least the history, origin or how the holiday came to be.  We have lived here eight years now since 2001 but I guess it really takes a long time for a person who was not born here to really understand about a country, even if it is now your own country.


I would like to make a commitment to myself to read up on important matters about Canada that I know I should know about.


I would like to quote from Veterans Affairs Canada website because the importance and significance of this day is stated clearly.

"A Day of Remembrance 

Why Remember?

We must remember. If we do not, the sacrifice of those one hundred thousand Canadian lives will be meaningless. They died for us, for their homes and families and friends, for a collection of traditions they cherished and a future they believed in; they died for Canada. The meaning of their sacrifice rests with our collective national consciousness; our future is their monument.  "

Canada Carries Olympic Torch

 A big event is happening in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada this morning.  This is officially the very first public event in Canada pertaining to the 2010 Winter Olympic which is being hosted by Canada.

Ceremonial lighting of the Olympic Torch has just concluded and right now the Olympic Torch is on its way in what we call the Torch Relay onto the February 12, 2010 opening of the 2010 Winter Olympic.

In attendance were Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson (who's very handsome, like a beautiful movie star), BC Premier Gordon Campbell and Prime Minister Stephen Haper.

Media calls this event "Torch Relay the Journey Begins".