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Bob Biter · 09-19-2005, 08:57 PM

We used to sing the French version of the national anthem when I was in grade school. Some kids didn't sing it, probably due to their parents (lots of separatist sentiments back then, too), but one day my 3rd grade teacher explained that the original French version was played for the first time by Les Voltigeurs de Québec, a military band, during the St-Jean-Baptiste on June 24th (the provincial holiday) 1880, in Quebec City. That's exactly 100 years before the song became Canada's official anthem in 1980 (anglophones basically used "God Save the Queen" up until that point).

Basically, French-Canadians were using it as their own anthem, until a few English versions were made. Finally, one was chosen (I believe based on Hamilton's own Robert Weir's translation of the French version), a bilingual version was made, and the rest is history. So, as my teacher said, the national anthem was Quebec's gift to Canada, and even the English version came from a man who got all of his higher education in Montreal. I believe a lot of enlightenment was achieved that day.

I'm proud to sing all versions of the anthem, but I mostly do so at sporting events (thank god hockey's back!). As for school, the kids should at least KNOW the anthem. I mean, I had to know that, the Lord's Prayer and Mary's Prayer back in grade school AND we had to say/sing them every week. The least kids can do these days is learn their own country anthem!

French version (along with my own literal translation):

Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux, (Oh Canada! Land of our forefathers)
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux! (Your brow is crowned with glorious flowers)
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée, (For your arm can bear the sword)
Il sait porter la croix! (And it can bear the cross)
Ton histoire est une épopée (Your history is an epic)
Des plus brillants exploits. (Of the most brilliant exploits)
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, (And your valor, tempered with faith)
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits, (Will protect our homes and rights)
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. (Will protect our homes and rights)

Bilingual version (sung in Quebec during major events):

Oh Canada! Our home and native land,
True patriot love in all thy sons command!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
God keep our land glorious and free,
Oh Canada! We stand on guard for thee,
Oh Canada! We stand on guard for thee.

09-19-2005, 08:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bob Biter Non-smokers die everyday Location: Montreal	We used to sing the French version of the national anthem when I was in grade school. Some kids didn't sing it, probably due to their parents (lots of separatist sentiments back then, too), but one day my 3rd grade teacher explained that the original French version was played for the first time by Les Voltigeurs de Québec, a military band, during the St-Jean-Baptiste on June 24th (the provincial holiday) 1880, in Quebec City. That's exactly 100 years before the song became Canada's official anthem in 1980 (anglophones basically used "God Save the Queen" up until that point). Basically, French-Canadians were using it as their own anthem, until a few English versions were made. Finally, one was chosen (I believe based on Hamilton's own Robert Weir's translation of the French version), a bilingual version was made, and the rest is history. So, as my teacher said, the national anthem was Quebec's gift to Canada, and even the English version came from a man who got all of his higher education in Montreal. I believe a lot of enlightenment was achieved that day. I'm proud to sing all versions of the anthem, but I mostly do so at sporting events (thank god hockey's back!). As for school, the kids should at least KNOW the anthem. I mean, I had to know that, the Lord's Prayer and Mary's Prayer back in grade school AND we had to say/sing them every week. The least kids can do these days is learn their own country anthem! French version (along with my own literal translation): Ô Canada! Terre de nos aïeux, (Oh Canada! Land of our forefathers) Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux! (Your brow is crowned with glorious flowers) Car ton bras sait porter l'épée, (For your arm can bear the sword) Il sait porter la croix! (And it can bear the cross) Ton histoire est une épopée (Your history is an epic) Des plus brillants exploits. (Of the most brilliant exploits) Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, (And your valor, tempered with faith) Protégera nos foyers et nos droits, (Will protect our homes and rights) Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. (Will protect our homes and rights) Bilingual version (sung in Quebec during major events): Oh Canada! Our home and native land, True patriot love in all thy sons command! Car ton bras sait porter l'épée, Il sait porter la croix! Ton histoire est une épopée Des plus brillants exploits. God keep our land glorious and free, Oh Canada! We stand on guard for thee, Oh Canada! We stand on guard for thee. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that don't happen. Last edited by Bob Biter; 09-19-2005 at 09:00 PM..