I heard once on TV, a reporter asking both Americans and Canadians what makes a Canadian a Canadian. It seemed everyone they asked was having a really hard time answering this question. It also bothered me a great deal because I wasn't sure if my answer at that time was correct either. Some said it was because we all say "eh". Others said its because we were the founders of hockey and other great things. Years have past since I heard that question and being in the Canadian Air Force, my family and I have lived in several places across our great nation. After living in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Labrador, Ontario and British Columbia and now in Denver Colorado, I have seen a lot of our country and the United States. I have lived where the sun only goes down for two hours. Then six months later I only get to see it for two hours. I've been where it rains for 360 days of the year yet it is so quiet that you can hear your ears ringing. Places where your nearest neighbour is 20 km away down a logging road. Places where you never had to lock your doors. All of these were home in our native land called Canada.

T oday however, living in Denver we find ourselves so far from home. Many times here, the Americans have asked me about Canada. It was then I realized that "home" is New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Labrador and all the other places I have lived and worked. Each place I have lived is as different as snowflakes on the ground. One thing never changed in every place I lived in Canada, the people. Their language or culture may be different but one thing remains the same. We as Canadians are the friendliest and most caring people you will ever find anywhere in the world. My fellow military brothers, who are stationed all over the world, would be glad to tell you the same.

S o as a result of traveling and living all across our fabulous nation, in addition to all these places making up our country, I have found that Canada is also her people, you and I. Therefore I am Canada.