I know this isn’t the most popular thing for a Canadian to say – and I am a proud Canuck… really – but I’ve always preferred the 4th of July to Canada Day (formerly Dominion Day, for anyone that remembers).

That’s because Canada Day seems more like an excuse for a long weekend while July 4th is a real celebration.

Think about how the holidays began: the Declaration of Independence versus the British parliament enacting the British North America Act. And what the holidays stand for: ‘liberty and justice for all’ versus ‘not quite independence’ from England. Sounds like we were hedging our bets.

And let’s look at our fireworks tradition. We go big on Victoria Day – for goodness sake. Sure we have ‘organized’ Canada Day fireworks, but ‘Firecracker Day’ was always in May and honoured a monarch.

Last year, I had the good fortune of celebrating the 4th of July with friends in Palm Springs. And we went to the local fireworks display.  What a blast (yes, that’s one of those puns-sorry).  It was a fun spectacle set to moving songs we all knew. Stirring is how I’d describe it.

Sure the US is not without its problems, but Canada has our share, too.  Yet at its core, America’s values, including equality, free speech, achievement and democracy make it one of the greatest nations in the world, IMHO. I wouldn’t want Canada to be best friends with anyone else.

So, while I’m working today, I’ll also be celebrating the 4th with my American friends – in spirit. Have a wonderful holiday. Let freedom ring.

About Martin Waxman

Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, teaches digital strategy and social media at McMaster University, the Schulich School of Business, University of Toronto SCS and Seneca College. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.

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