Lest We Forget

Today is the first of seven posts leading up to "Rememberance Day". Each day I will provide a different example of the courage that our Canadian heros performed during the great war. Today I start with a summary of one of many great documentary tapes that the "War Amps" offers covering both World Wars and Korea.

The Blue Puttees

There is a remarkable story that comes out of the history of the First World War -- the story of a regiment from Newfoundland that earned itself the reputation as one of the best fighting Forces of the "war to end all wars." Yet, how little Canadians really know of this amazing group of volunteer soldiers, who travelled to the battlefields of France in 1916 as virtual unknowns, and returned in 1918 with the respect of the world.

This documentary tells the story of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment -- of its beginnings as a band of volunteers, who quite literally started with nothing, to build themselves into a properly equipped battalion; of its initiation into the rigours of trench warfare in Gallipoli; of its near annihilation at the tragic and bungled Battle of Beaumont Hamel in France; of its regrouping to distinguish itself in other significant battles throughout the war; and of what was perhaps the ultimate honour -- the awarding of the prefix "Royal" to the regiment by the British War Office before the war was even over.

Later,
Kenaz

The New Canadian Entrace Exam

I designed this little quiz on Canadiana trivia to help any persons planning to visit or even immigrate to Canada. This will also be a benefit to all existing Canadians who feel their knowledge of things Canadian are a little rusty. Here we go, all questions are multiple choice and best answered wearing a "took" and a pair of "mucklucks".

1.Canada's Capital is Where? and Called What?
(a)Toronto-Nathan Philips Square
(b)Ottawa-The Parliament
(c)Saskatoon-Wanuskewin Heritage Park
(d)Hamilton-Tim Horton's

2.Canada's National Anthem is:
(a)God Save the Queen
(b)The Star Spangled Banner
(c)Oh! Canada!
(d)Ar-r-r-go-s Suck!
(e)Stomping Tom Conner's "Hockey Game"

3.Canada's Head of State is Referred To As:
(a)President
(b)Prime Minister
(c)Supreme ruler
(d)A derogitory word referring to a donkeys rectum

4.Canada's World Famous Landmark is Called:
(a)The Perogie on a Fork
(b)The Rockie Mountains
(c)The C.N Tower
(d)Pam Anderson's Chest

5.Canada's Unit of Currency is Called:
(a)Denero
(b)American Greenback
(c)Yen
(d)Canadian Tire Bucks

6.Canada Has This Many Provinces and Territories:
(a)10
(b)12
(c)13
(d)2-Toronto and the rest of the country

7.Canada's Official Pastime is:
(a)Lacross
(b)Hockey
(c)Basketball
(d)Beer Drinking

8.What Motto is Inscribed on Canada's Coat of Arms:
(a)Et Tu Quebec?(You too Quebec?)
(b)A Mari usque ad Mare(From Sea to Sea)
(c)A Tout Provoir(All Will Be Provided)
(d)Voule-vou Goucher Avec Moi Ottawa? (Loose translation, have you shoved my rights where the ocean flows)

9.Canada is Known For What Food:
(a) Poutine
(b) Perogie
(c) The Beaver Tail(The Doughnut)
(d) Lager and Ale

10.Who is Canada's Current Leader:
(a)Bobby Orr
(b)Don Cherry
(c)Paul Martin
(d)One of the Hanson Brothers would be a better choice.

Bonus Question:For $100 in "Teddy Z Points"
Canada has provided the world with many great actors, musicians and sports stars. Which of these groups are NOT Canadian?

(a)John Candy, Shania Twain, Wayne Gretzky
(b)Eugene Levy, The Tragically Hip, Lorie Kane
(c)Jim Carrey, Avril Livigne, Jacque Plante,
(d)Johnny Wayne,Sandra Schmirler,Sharon,Lois and Bram

This was a trick question, all the above people are part of the Canadian fabric that every person in Canada has helped weave. Rejoice Canada! and all together now! tip your beer hat (carefully, don't spil any of that liquid gold) and scream at the top of your lungs I AM CANADIAN!

Later,
Kenaz