We don't celebrate the Fourth of July here in Canada. We celebrate July 1st or Canada Day instead.

On July 1st we Canadians go to picnics at our local beaches. We take the whole family with us. Moms, Dads, Grandpas, Grandmas, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Heck, if you are even closely related, or not even related, you will be invited.

Canada Day to me and my family means a lot. We get to celebrate our Canadian roots, our Canadian heritage. I am proud to be Canadian, proud of my country and proud of everyone that calls themselves a Canadian.

At the end of our celebration picnic, there are always fireworks. You will see fireworks from the east coast of Canada on the Atlantic Ocean right to the west coast of Canada on the Pacific Ocean. The fireworks are usually held at local beaches.

To me, personally, Canada Day is a day that I reflect on my life and what makes me Canadian. What makes me Canadian is that I am a hard-worker and I come from a family of hard-workers. I come from a family that has morals and values and we respect others opinions. I come from a family that knows right from wrong and we always choose the "right" way to do things. I'm not saying that we are perfect because we are not and we do make mistakes. When we make a mistake, we learn from our mistakes.

I am proud to be a Canadian. I am proud of what my country offers me. I am proud that there are others that care about our country. I am proud to have raised children to enjoy this country we call home.