On this “no plan” trip we did have one plan, one date that we had to keep, to be in our Nation’s capital on Canada Day. It seemed right to spend the day surrounded by the parliament buildings that symbolize the freedom and absolute good luck we all have to live in the best country on earth.
It was a good decision.The torrential downpours were offset by smiling faces, weird Canadiana costumes, a melange of colours, creeds and a patriotic pup. Oh yeah, and the prime minister showed up.
Soldiers patrolled the building tops with high-powered binoculars, RCMP strolled through the crowd, polite and joking while they searched bags to enter the parliament grounds. At Ottawa’s first big public event since the murder of a soldier and attack on parliament it felt safe on the streets with tens of thousands of our fellow citizens and visitors from around the world.
Score one for democracy.
And when we walked past the tomb of the unknown soldier, where the murder took place, and the steps covered in little paper flags that people spontaneously placed, we felt proud and glad to wear that Maple Leaf.
Sacrifice and duty remembered on Canada Day
They told us the Stampede would have horses!
Some wore pants, some wore short pants, some wore short shorts
Enthralled by the beautiful Nubian princess, John forgets what he was going to say
Even my shoes have Maple Leafs on them
Hey Mr. Harper, nice costume!
Rejected by his own kind, Condom head man leaves the party
Patriotic Marie Antoinette waves to the crowd
Drenched Marie Antoinette comes out of the rain shouting “Let them drink beer!”
Son, Google “Canada Day” selfies
Betty’s plans to use her festive Maple Leaf hat at Halloween again for her rooster costume
Parliament decreed that all flowers will be red or white on Canada Day, tough luck for the local dandelions
Former street performer “Don the fire eater” turns to fire and brimstone in his latest gig
The Dames does a cameo with happy families in the sea of red and white
Jack on the box didn’t get the memo about the colour scheme
The torrential downpour didn’t faze anyone
The guy selling umbrellas did a brisk business
Beaver fro’s firmly in place, the march begins
Stephen Harper and family make an appearance before the plebes
Harper orders the general to have all non-Conservatives removed from the grounds
Bobby, pale from playing video games all day, emerges to celebrate Canada Day
A cape worn proudly
Father and son wear their patriotism
Take another one, my eyes were closed
Harold hopes the temporary hair colour will wash out
The skies open up and the doors to the pub do as well
Happy Hare Krishna Canada
Street performers around every corner
The world saved once again, Captain Canada heads for home
Oh Canada!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Off and on rain meant garbage bags decorated with Maple Leafs were in high demand
The Parliament hill stage was rocking all day
A cocky Mimi struts her stuff up to Parliament Hill
The Meandering Maloneys 
It was all good till I saw Harper’s mug.
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He sends his regards and asks you to vote early and vote often.
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Great posting. Couldn’t see the dame though! Where art thou!
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Creative editing by The Dude as The Dame was taking pictures and as yet has not mastered the two places at one time trick!
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Great pictures! Wonderful to see love of Canada so vividly displayed. Liked your red tee shirt, white pants ensemble Tracy. You blended in very well.
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Thanks Ms. Elizabeth. It was a bright colourful day despite the rain. As to the picture with me in it. The Dude took creative license with editing my comment as I was the one taking pictures!!!
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So, I’ve learned I must always zoom a picture. Clearly that is not you. But it looked liked you in the thumbnail. Points to Mick (and they really don’t count) for tricking this old broad.
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