Commentary
This Canada Day, let’s proudly celebrate our country and not allow past grievances to overshadow our achievements. Canada has many accomplishments to be proud of.
Canada’s greatness lies in its quiet strengths, which are often overlooked and forgotten.
To illustrate this, consider the “boat people” from Vietnam.
On April 30, 1975, the Vietnam War ended, leading to around 800,000 refugees fleeing the communist Vietnamese regime over the next 20 years. Many died while fleeing by boat, but the risk was worth it to escape oppression.
One story that captured the Canadian imagination was the arrival of the vessel Hai Hong in Malaysia in 1978 with 2,500 refugees. Canada was the first to welcome over 600 passengers from the Hai Hong, setting a precedent for welcoming Vietnamese refugees.
Over the next 25 years, Canada welcomed close to 200,000 Vietnamese refugees, who made significant contributions to Canada’s economy, civic life, and culture.
In Canada, they found freedom and opportunity to flourish, thanks to the principles and institutions that are the foundation of the country.
However, these principles are under attack today, threatening the very values that made Canada desirable for new beginnings.
It is essential to restore the values that the boat people brought with them and cherish what unites us as Canadians.
Views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of The Epoch Times.
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