Canada Day

July 1st is Canada Day, but it is also a day of remembrance here in Newfoundland and Labrador. Every year we remember the soldiers who fought at Beaumont Hamel, and this year marked the 100th anniversary of the battle that saw hundreds of Newfoundland soldiers slaughtered on the French battlefield. 801 Newfoundland Regiment soldiers went into battle on July 1st, 1916. Just 68 answered roll call the next day.

Andrew and I paid a visit to the Garden of Tears - a visual memorial to members of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment who died in the First World War. The lawn outside of the St. John's Arts and Culture Centre is covered in 1,500 forget-me-nots - one for each Newfoundlander who died in the war. The flowers symbolize and celebrate the lives lost, and serve to honour the memories of the fallen soldiers.

Of course, we also took the time to celebrate Canada Day, with a party at my parents' house! 

The weather was just right, and we enjoyed the day with good food, good music, and great friends.

I feel so grateful for occasions like this one that bring us all together, and I have so much pride and gratitude for the fact that we live in a country where we have the privilege to enjoy so many freedoms.
Happy Canada Day!! I hope you all had a safe and happy weekend!