Pride & Patriotism                                                                     February 2010

I have always been proud to be Canadian. But never more than when we had the opportunity and privilege to be hosts to the world for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

I had dreamt of experiencing an Olympics in my hometown, and in the end they were everything I hoped they would be - and then some. Never, ever, in my life have I seen or experienced such an extraordinary display of Canadian pride: flags hung proudly in every shop window, people of all ages and races (and even their pets!) wearing red & white, and everywhere you'd go you'd hear chants of "Go Canada Go!".

I'll never forget the poet who spoke at the Opening Ceremonies. When he said, "Some say what defines us is something as simple as please and thank you" the entire stadium ERUPTED in cheers and wild applause. There is something purely wonderful about that.

My heart filled with joy every time there was a spontaneous outburst of the Canadian National Anthem while waiting in line somewhere, or seeing random strangers talking to each other - animatedly sharing their Olympic experiences, taking photos of each other, and commenting on how friendly the police & RCMP officers were. The crowds were enthusiastic but civilized - and even though there were thousands upon thousands of people jammed in the streets, it was like we all knew that we were a part of something special.

Something happened to us as a nation over the course of these Olympics, and it was more than just "hockey pride". We loved the grace and humility of our athletes in victory as well as defeat. We wept for Joannie Rochette who showed such unbelievable courage in the face of tragedy. We cheered as Jon Montgomery drank the celebratory beer on his victory walk through Whistler. We loved the stories & highlights on CTV and the class and professionalism of our Brian Williams. We saw greatness personified in the inspired leadership of John Furlong. And we love our Tim Horton's. And Sidney Crosby. There simply couldn't have been a better "storybook ending" to our Olympics than that overtime goal scored by our boy from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia.

For as long as I live, I will remember these Olympic Games for the joy, enthusiasm, pride & unity that they brought to this great country of ours. Thank you to all the athletes, volunteers, visitors, organizers, police, and CTV - it was unforgettable. Time of my life!!!

PS. Stephen Brunt, a columnist for the Globe and Mail, created a brilliant video essay that captured the magic of what happened for Canada at these Olympic Games...

PPS. The American Brian Williams (anchor of NBC Nightly News) wrote a Thank-you Note for Canada following his broadcasting experience in Vancouver. Enjoy!