Tuesday 15 November 2011

On This Day in Canadian History

Levesque is Canada's first separatist premier

Broadcast Date: Nov. 15, 1976
On Nov. 15, 1976, Quebecers deliver a historic first-time win for 54-year-old René Lévesque and his separatist Parti Québécois. The PQ crushes Robert Bourassa and his Liberals. The stunning victory signals a new era towards an independent Quebec. As heard in this clip, even Lévesque seems taken back by their win. In his trademark raspy voice, drenched with exhaustion and excitement, an emotional Lévesque addresses the delirious crowd.


Source: CBC Archives (http://archives.cbc.ca/on_this_day/11/15/)

Thursday 10 November 2011

The Beaver Blog

Welcome & thanks for stopping by....

It's exciting to post our first blog entry, here at The Home School Beaver!

September and October just flew by, as we were completing orders for The Canadian History Tunes CD.  Every day, I kept that dream alive, that one day, when the time was right I could start the first Home School Beaver Blog.  And I am profoundly honoured to be starting just in time for Remembrance Day.

I have always considered Remembrance Day to be a very important day on our Canadian calendar.  It's right up their next in line to Christmas for me.  About 10 years ago, I started the tradition of carrying a red poppy with me every day of the year pinned with a Canadian flag in the centre.  It serves as a good reminder of just how lucky and proud I am to be Canadian.

Words will never be enough to express my gratitude for the great sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought to ensure our freedom.  I can picture the Canadian and British soldiers who, on this very day - November 10, 1940, boarded the Trans-Atlantic Ferry with supplies destined for Britain in support of the allies forces during World War II.  I can imagine the pain of leaving their families behind, not knowing if they would ever see their faces again. Whether you believe in war or not, they made the ultimate sacrifices so that future generations would have the opportunities that we enjoy today.

Tomorrow being Remembrance Day, please remember to take that one moment of silence, no matter where you are, to pay your respects to those brave strangers who risked their lives for your freedom and say 'thank you'.

Peace,

The Home School Beaver