It struck me tonight how proud I am to be a Canadian.

I have been on this board for at least 12 or 13 years.  Under the name Diane but switched my name when I couldn't log on.

Years ago, a poster that is no longer on this board stated how Americans help everyone but no one ever helps Americans.  Needless to say, I jumped in.  Canada has always jumped in to help their neighbours.  Canada is a country of peace keepers.

I just watched a special on TV tonight that sparked me to write this.

Years ago when I was young, Canada helped some Americans in need.  Sorry the images won't show.

The Hostage Rescue Attempt In Iran, April 24-25, 1980

THANK YOU CANADA!!!

CANADA HELPS AMERICANS ESCAPE!!!
These two shots are of the U.S. Embassy. On November 4, 1979, some Americans escaped the riots ouside, and hid in the Canadian Embassy. What the Canadians did put them in great danger. The Americans were kept a secret, and given fake Canadian passports and snuck out when the Candian Embassy was closed.

These names are the Americans who were held in secret by Canada. I took this off a video of the Iranian Hostage Crises entitled, "444 Days In Iran"

This photo speaks volumes. Yes, THANK YOU CANADA, for what they did in saving our people's lives!

"Here is Canadian Ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor. Thank You, Ken!!

President Ronald Reagan presented a medal to the Canadian Ambassador to Iran, thanking him for what he did. Here is a historical account of that presentation:

Remarks on Presenting the Congressional Gold Medal to Kenneth Taylor, Former Canadian Ambassador to Iran

June 16, 1981

The President. I wonder what would happen if I said that in trying to express our gratitude, I was now going to talk for about 55 minutes. No, I'm not. But the 444 days of the hostage crisis were trying times for this country, and they were not a time of which any world citizen can be proud. What the Iranians did was a breach of international law and the rules by which states live together.

Against the background of those difficult days, however, several acts of individual heroism reminded us of man's nobler sides. There was the courage of those participating in the daring rescue mission, some of whom gave their lives.

We're today honoring another act of courage, this one with a happier ending in which the courage and ingenuity were rewarded by success after 79 days. I'd like to sketch briefly the events of those 79 days, to describe not only Ambassador Taylor's courage but also the contribution of all the Canadian Embassy personnel in Tehran and the Canadian Government in Ottawa.

Four days after the storming of the American Embassy, Ambassador Taylor received a call from five Americans who had escaped from the Embassy when it was overrun. They were hiding, but they were afraid that they'd soon be discovered and captured. Ambassador Taylor immediately recommended to his government in Ottawa that Americans be given shelter. Without any hesitation, the Canadian Government granted the permission. Two days later, the Americans were taken to Ambassador Taylor's residence and that of another Canadian Embassy family, the John Sheardowns. Two weeks later, another American joined his five compatriots. For 79 days, they lived there pretending to be visitors. I understand they're the best-read and the most skilled Scrabble players in all of North America.

There were several tense moments in the weeks that followed. At one point, an article was imminent in a Montreal paper which would have disclosed the story of the sheltered Americans. In an admirable display of responsibility, the journalist who had written the article agreed to withdraw it from publication. However, from this article, and more immediately from an anonymous phone call to the Taylor's residence asking to speak to two of the escapees, Ambassador Taylor knew that the chances of his guests being discovered were high.

At this point, the Canadian Government in Ottawa and the Embassy began the ingenious preparations for an escape. The Canadian Government agreed to issue fictitious passports to the Americans. The Canadian Embassy staff began making flights in and out of Tehran to establish a travel pattern and to learn airport procedures.

Finally, on January 28th, 1980, the Americans packed the bags that were given them by their Canadian hosts with the clothes also given to them. Using their Canadian passports, they flew out of the country. Ambassador Taylor and three others of his staff saw them off and then left themselves. Even this brief outline of those 79 days highlights what a team effort it was.

The Canadian Department of External Affairs in Ottawa and the Canadian Cabinet responded with speed and decisiveness to help an ally. Ambassador Towe is here today representing the Canadian Government. The U.S. State Department is represented today by Ambassador Stoessel, and there were others who were working at the State Department during the crisis who played a part with discretion and skill. And here today also is Representative Daniel Akaka, the sponsor, and several of his co-sponsors, of the legislation which resulted in the gold medal which I am going to present today.

Also present today is Lee Schatz, one of the six whom the Taylors rescued, as well as Bruce Laingen and Victor Tomseth, who had to wait a little longer before they could come home.

Mrs. Taylor is here with her husband and was directly involved with him in this deed. She shared the risks. She did much of the work. It was at her residence that several of the Americans were actually staying. And, finally, it's my great honor to present the medal to Kenneth Taylor whose valor, ingenuity, and steady nerves made possible this one happy chapter in the agony of those 444 days of hostage crisis.

Major Kline. The medal is inscribed by an ``Act of Congress, March 6, 1980. Entre amis, appreciation for the noble and heroic effort in the harboring of six United States diplomats and safe return to America. Thank you, Canada.''

The President. Ambassador Taylor, it's a great pleasure to present this medal to you on behalf of the American people, who are grateful to you and grateful to our neighbor, Canada.

Ambassador Taylor. Thank you. Thank you very much, President Reagan. I'm very honored to receive this recognition on behalf of all Canadians who participated in whatever we could contribute to the welfare of the U.S. citizens.

I think what I'd like to say is best expressed by Honorable Frank Annunzio, chairman of the committee, during the course of Representative Akaka's resolution. That is, he said, ``To me, the medal represents the gratitude and thanks of every American not only to Ambassador Taylor but to his staff, the Government of Canada, and indeed every Canadian.'' And it's in that sense that I'm very honored to receive the medal.

At this time, it's a very perplexing and unique situation to be a diplomat. At the same time as serious questions are being asked as to the validity of the career as opposed to earlier times, there are some who are challenging the very right of diplomats to convery their country's message and attempt to create international disorders such as we experienced in Tehran. It's therefore very reassuring and a sense of pride to all diplomats to have seen the dignity and professionalism with which U.S. citizens in Tehran conducted themselves and also the unselfish courage and heroism of the eight who lost their lives attempting to right the balance.

The presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, President Reagan, not only means a great deal to myself and my family, but I think it underlines the very unique and very special relationship between Canada and the United States.

The United States faces the rebuffs of history with patience, determination, and a search for justice. For this, you have gained the everlasting respect of all Canadians. Moreover, your generosity, great generosity to all, your tolerance, cements the long-lasting and precious friendship which Canadians and United States citizens share.

Thank you, again, for this recognition. I speak on behalf of Canada, and I can say and sum it up that we're very fortunate, and we relish that, cherish our neighborhood relationship with you.

Thank you, again, Mr. President.

Note: The President spoke at 3:35 p.m. at the presentation ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House. Maj. John P. Kline, Jr., Marine Corps Aide to the President, read the inscription on the medal. Peter M. Towe is the Canadian Ambassador to the United States, and Walter J. Stoessel, Jr., is Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs."

I still remember driving through the States with my family shortly after that and there were signs everywhere.  Thank you Canada.  How soon people forget.

Canadian firefighters often go to the States to help with horrendous forest fires.  Our firefighters have much to offer.

When Buffalo was in total despair a few years ago with an unbelievable amount of snow so emergency vehicles couldn't get through, Toronto sent many snow removal vehicles and operators down and we cleared the snow.

September 11th, Canada was there.  We sent heavy equipment and the operators of the equipment and helped with the devestating situation.  Many of our rescue dogs went down.  A Canadian company donated all the boots to protect all of the dogs feet.  Many Canadians took vacation to go down and help.

Canada also housed many people from the US that were stranded in Canada because their planes could not return them to their homes.

Many were stranded in Newfoundland.  People, not the government ensured the people got home cooked meals.  Opened their homes to strangers and made life long friends.  There were a few wealthy Americans stranded.  One small community in Newfoundland that had derilict computers in ther school were blessed by new computers from an American who was so touched by the kindness of Newfoundlanders.  A church roof and the lighting was replaced by another.

So many Canadians donated blood to be sent to the States.  Me included.  So many donated money. Me included.

The special I watched on TV tonight was about a Torontonian who was the first 18 wheeler to get relief supplies to the victims of Katrina.  It was also the Canadian Navy who arrived before local help. The special also said a couple from Canada brought the first internet connections to help.
Canadians were one of the largest donators of money to help the victims.  As well, we had many groups drive down and rescue the animals.  Many a Canadian owns a Katrina rescue.

We have always been there for our American neighbours. 

I have many American friends that have no idea when Canadian Thanksgiving is.  Yet I would say 95% of Canadians know when American Thanksgving is.

How many know when Canada Day is?  It is July 1st yet I don't think there are many Canadians that do not know about the 4th of July. 

I can name every state.  How many know how many provinces we have and can name them.

This certainly is not a bash towards Americans.  It is just a sad reality about how we know or don't know our neighbours. 

Yes, I am proud to be Canadian.  We are far from perfect and still need help but I never again want to hear that Canada is not there willing to help our neighbours.

BTW, when September 11th happened and shocked the world, if we donated money to many Canadian charities to help, the Canadian government matched our dollars dollar for dollar.  Many Americans close to the border came over to Canada to donate so that their dollar could double.

On a funny note, in all the years I have watched Jeopardy, the brainest of brains rarely get a question about Canada correct. 

OK, that is my commentary for tonight. 

Guess I am just saying, I am proud to be Canadian!