National Anthem of Canada

National Anthem of Canada

In 1880, a French Canadian composer Calixa Lavallee was commissioned to set a poem written by Judge Adolphe-Basile Routhier to music.

The song O, Canada would be played during the National Congress of French-Canadians. This Congress would be held on the St. Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations. Lavellee composed a few versions, and the version we know was met with enthusiasm by his friends.  The tune made its debut on June 24, 1880, at a banquet in the ‘Pavillion des Patineurs’ in Quebec City.

However, for more than twenty years, the song was almost forgotten. In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall (later to be King George V and Queen Mary) toured Canada.

A group of school children sang the song in French for them. In 1906, the music was published in Toronto by Whaley and Royce. The original French text and an English translation were both included. The English lyrics were written by Toronto doctor Thomas Bedford Richardson.

Canada's History. Photo by Elena

The Mendelssohn Choir performed the song. Dr. Richardson’s Version O Canada! Our fathers’ land of old Thy brow is crown’d with leaves of red and gold. Beneath the shade of the Holy Cross Thy children own their birth No stains thy glorious annals gloss Since valour shield thy hearth. Almighty God! On thee we call Defend our rights, forfend this nation’s thrall, Defend our rights, forfend this nation’s thrall. Many new versions followed, including one by poet Wilfred Campbell and Toronto critic Augustus Bridle. Other versions were written for the celebrations of Quebec City three hundred years in 1908.

A version written by lawyer and (at the time) Recorder of the City of Montreal Robert Stanley Weir in 1908 gained the most notoriety. It was published for the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation in 1927 and became the accepted version in English-speaking Canada: Weir Version O Canada! Our home and native land. True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! And stand on guard, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. O Canada, glorious and free, We stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee! In 1927, an official version had been authorized by the Canadian Government for singing in Canadian schools and for use at public functions.

On March 15, 1967, the special joint committee unanimously recommended that the Canadian government be authorized to adopt forthwith the music for ‘O Canada’ composed by Calixa Lavallee as the music of the National Anthem of Canada. Furthermore, the committee recommended keeping the original French version and using the Weir version with minor changes.

In June, 1980, the bill was passed by the House of Commons and accepted by the Senate. On June 27, 1980, Royal assent was given and Canada had a National Anthem.

On Canada Day, on July 1, 1980, at a public ceremony held at noon on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the Governor General, His Excellency the Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, proclaimed the Act respecting the National Anthem of Canada. ‘O Canada’ became an official symbol of the nation.

O Canada! Our home and native land!

True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,

The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,

O Canada, We stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

French:

O Canada!

Terre de nos aïeux,

Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux.

Car ton bras sait porter l’épée,

Il sait porter la croix.

Ton histoire est une épopée,

Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.