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O Canada

(a salute to our neighbors to the North)

"O Canada" became Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, just over 100 years after it was first performed on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavalle; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier, and they have never changed. The official English lyrics were written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir, but they were revised in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons.

English Lyrics:
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.

French lyrics:
Ô Canada!
Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!

Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!

Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.

Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

Protégera nos foyers et nos droits.

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