Being patriotic is about more than just wearing red and white on July 1

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On his 'Northlands Zone' album, Canadian icon and folk singer Stompin' Tom Connors recorded a song called 'Emily the Maple Leaf', which tells the story of the leaf picked for the Canadian flag.

It's a catchy tune, but what is most striking is the way Stompin' Tom describes Canadian patriotism in the song.

The emphasis is not on going to war or on international accomplishments, but our ability as citizens to be united despite our differences.

He personifies both flag and leaf as 'Emily', which he says, "stands for the harmony we share alike from sea to sea. For this our fathers sighed for, lived and loved and dies for, and we'll preserve it constantly."

Recently, a group of new Canadians were welcomed in Moncton, and Judge Suzanne Pinel, who presided over the ceremony, spoke about the responsibilities of being a Canadian citizen. She pointed out that it is our duty to serve our country by engaging in volunteer work that benefits our communities.

Whether you are a newcomer to this country, a fifth-generation Canadian, or one of our native peoples, that responsibility is equally important. Serving our country, to Canadians, doesn't necessarily mean enlisting in the Armed Forces. It means continually working to preserve and better the place in which we live.

It means supporting our governments, at all levels, when we feel they are doing things right, but also making our voices heard clear and strong when we perceive injustices in their actions. The nation is defined by the actions of its people, not by those of its government.

This Canada Day, don your red and white, have some cake at your local celebration of our nation's birth, and reflect on what it truly means to be Canadian in 2008. As Stompin' Tom would say:

"Here we stand, all hand in hand. Oh Canada, we're at your command. So let not one be found to lag where Emily waves on Canada's flag."