Canada Day 2018 Wishes & Greetings: History, Holiday & Celebrations Related to the Observance
Toronto is all set for the celebrations with fireworks, parades and concerts.
July 1 is observed as the national day of Canada celebrating the anniversary of Constitution Act 1867 coming into force on July 1, 1867. The holiday, earlier called Dominion Day was renamed in 1982, the year in which the Canada Act was passed. Canada Day celebrations are held throughout the country; Canadians living around the world also observe the day by attending various events. Toronto is all set for the celebrations with fireworks, parades and concerts. Crowds of people gathered at popular landmarks with flags painted on their cheeks will be a common sight.
Initially a British colony, Canada gradually gained increasing independence over the years, mainly with the passage of the Statute of Westminster in 1931. Canada became completely independent with the passing of the 1982 Constitution Act which served to fully patriate the Canadian constitution.
The enactment of the British North America Act, 1867, called the Constitution Act, 1867), which confederated Canada, was celebrated on July 1, 1867, with the ringing of the bells at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto. Contemporary accounts state the observance included "bonfires, fireworks and illuminations, excursions, military displays and musical and other entertainments".
Meanwhile, Twitterati has been pouring in wishes to Canadians living across the globe. Politicians, celebrities, influencers took to Twitter greeting the country on the day. Here are some of the tweets:
The United States President Donald Trump in a Canada Day message to Gov. Gen. Julie Payette thanked the country for its "partnership on the global stage". In a written statement from the U.S. Embassy, Trump offers his "sincerest congratulations to all Canadians" as they celebrate the national July 1 holiday.
As Canada Day which is observed on July 1 falls on a Sunday this year, July 2 will be a statutory holiday. Although July 1, 2018, won't be a legal holiday in the country celebrations will be held. If Canada Day falls on a Saturday, businesses which are closed that day will dedicate the following Monday as a day off.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 01, 2018 02:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).