Since its inception in 1917, the American and Canadian Association (ACAP), formerly The American Society and El Asocación de Americano y Candiense, has celebrated the national days of their two countries which, fortunately, are very close in date to each other.  

For many years, this was the occasion for a picnic, first to celebrate America’s 4th of July and later, when Canadians were officially incorporated in the club, to celebrate both days.

Until recently, the major money making event for the association was America’s Labor Day, but 6 years ago, because of cold weather which normally spoiled some of the enjoyment of Labor Day, that event was replaced with the Black & White Ball.

Many people appear to have the wrong impression on the origins and meanings of the U.S. Independence Day and Canada Day. Here are some quick facts about both celebrations:

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: JULY 4TH

To begin with, July 4th was neither the day on which the United States of America became independent nor was it even the day on which the Declaration of Independence was signed. The signatures were actually affixed on July 2, 1776, during a session of what became the Congress.  It was ratified on July 4th but signified only a “declaration” of independence from England.  It marked the start of negotiations with the British, which took place in Paris over the next 7 years.  The fact of independence became real only on September 3, 1783.

It is interesting to note that Congress met in Philadelphia, starting in 1775, moved to Baltimore, and then to Washington D.C., when the later  was proclaimed the capitol on July 16, 1790.

CANADA DAY: JULY 1ST

This is an even more interesting story.

Canada became a dominion of England on July 1, 1867 when two provinces – Nova Scotia and New Brunswick – joined with the Province of Canada (today’s Ontario and Quebec) to form a federation under the Dominion of Canada. The dominion remained under some form of British rule until 1982 when the Constitution Act was signed. The act provided Canada with full political independence from Britain, however the country still remains a constitutional monarchy.

The first celebration of Canada Day was on July 1, 1917, during World War 1. It was not until 1927 that Canada’s parliament officially declared it a national holiday and since then it has grown in usage across Canada and among Canadian’s abroad.

ACAP CELEBRATES BOTH INDEPENDENCE DAYS

Therefore, as is usual, ACAP celebrates both Canadian Day and American Independence Day – this year very early on June 19th.  This date was selected to accommodate more members and friends who will leave for holidays or long weekends if we delay until early July.  Let us enjoy our mutual national holidays with a toast to both countries.