*"CANADA"*

From the Atlantic to the Pacific
A natural paradise of mountains and lakes
Land of freedom and the future
For all of our offspring: "Canada."

The maple leaf, our emblem and flag
Carried with honor: red, white and red.
Be proud of that with our children
Here, where we earn our daily bread.

We have all immigrated
From many places in this world.
Through respect and acceptance of one another
We will grow strong together.

Tradition and heritage:
Customs, languages and religions
Pass them down to the children:
Our daughters and sons.

The values of their homeland
Every child should learn to prize,
But in pride of this country
They should call themselves Canadians.

Never deny your forefathers
Who they were or where they came from.
Remember in your heart what they stood for,
And what they have given you, my dear child.

Written in the German language in 1983 for Heritage Day,
by Hartmut Reinsch © in Toronto Canada.
Translated by myself into the English language
to share with all Canadians.

This poem is intended to promote the development
of a better awareness
and understanding
among Canadians of every heritage!