On March 3, Canada found out that there would be an evaluation of the Canadian anthem!  There are some wording that some people are not pleased with.

The history behind the anthem is quite important to note.  First it was written on: 1880 and written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier.  The historical background got muddier as time passed by due to English and French languages.  There were other versions: the well known version: Robert Stanley Weir, in which is now well know for since 1908.

Weir’s 1908 was as follows:

O Canada! Our home, our native land,
True patriot love thou dost in us command.
We see thee rising fair, dear land,
The True North strong and free;
And stand on guard, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
Refrain
O Canada! O Canada!
O Canada. We stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Where Pines and Maples grow,
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
Thou art the land, O Canada,
From East to Western sea,
The land of hope for all who toil,
The land of liberty.
Refrain
O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies,
May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise;
And so abide, O Canada,
From East to Western sea,
Where e’er thy pines and prairies are,
The True North strong and free.
Refrain

You could compare to the past to the current verses with the official Canada Government website to comment on the changes are necessary or not?

In 1968, there was another change to the English lyrics.  Note: the French lyrics were not altered much since 1908.

There is one other country that does have a similar, yet different lyrics and music to its anthem, Australia.

Summary: alternating a few words to the Canada’s anthem for the SECOND time would be, do we even know our Canadian history and heritage at all?  Those wordings are important and can get lost!   We can still be in the 21st century and observe our historical part of our country with respect and dignity!

footnote: “O Canada.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 2009.  Wikipedia.org. 04 Mar. 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oh_Canada