The words of our national anthem, O Canada were written in the French language by a Québec judge, Adolphe Basile Routhier in 1880. Prominent Canadian musician Calixa Lavallée, was asked to compose the music for Routhier's poem for a special occasion. It was first performed June 24, 1880 in Québec City at the "Congrès Nationale des Canadiens-Français" (National congress of the French-Canadians) Many English versions were composed, but the most accepted was written in 1908 by Robert Stanley Weir, a Montreal lawyer. The National Anthem Act of 1980 proclaimed Weir's version, with minor changes.
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.
Contact Terri Lefebvre Prince,
Heritage Researcher,
City of Yorkton Archives,
Box 400, 37 Third Avenue North
Yorkton, Sask. S3N 2W3
306-786-1722 [email protected]
