Last Saturday June 28, 2014 marked 100 years since the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, an event that led to the beginning of World War I.
In the lead up to the 2017 Canada 150 celebrations, there will be a number of similar milestone anniversaries of events that are of historic importance to Canada and Canadians. The bicentennial of the end of The War of 1812, the centennial of World War I and 75th Anniversary of World War II, 150th Anniversary of the Charlottetown and Quebec conferences that lead to the formation of Canada, the 50th Anniversary of the Canadian Flag, the 125th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup and Centennial of the NHL and in 2017 the 150th Anniversary of Confederation and the formation of the Dominion of Canada.
On this Canada Day, while celebrating Canada’s 148th birthday it’s a perfect time to start thinking about how the nation will celebrate the formation of the nation. A nation not formed in revolution but in peaceful negotiation and consensus, a trait that lives on in the national psyche.
Heritage Canada is encouraging Canadians to learn about these events and the history of the country on Canada 150 website. Other not for profit organizations like Canada150.com are collecting Canadian’s family stories to retain legacies in an age of disposable communication.
Follow @Canada150th on Twitter for events and information leading up to the 2017 sesquicentennial celebrations (yes, I just wanted to use the big word).