Moose Jaw residents gather to celebrate Canada Day

What does Canada Day mean to you?
For Moose Jaw's Lloyd Weiss, it means wearing clothes with the maple leaf symbol, decorating the house in national colours and acting a bit more overtly proud of Canada than he might typically.
"It's a time we show our patriotism a little more than we do the rest of the year," he told the Times-Herald.
Weiss said he thoroughly enjoys all the freedoms and wealth in Canada, as well as the cultural diversity and natural splendour that exists from sea to sea.
Weiss was one of a multitude of proud Canadians donning red and white clothes and singing the national anthem at Wakamow Valley during Canada Day afternoon celebrations on Wednesday.
"On this day, Canadian cities big and small are decked out in red and white," said Palliser Conservative MP Ray Boughen during his Wakamow Valley Canada Day celebrations speech. He added Canada Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize Canadian values of peace, freedom and security.
"It is a time to celebrate all we have."
Boughen said he encourages all Moose Javians to feel proud about the nation they call home and to appreciate the unique role all Canadians play in the country.
"Collectively, we are all writing the great story that is our nation's history."
Earlier on Wednesday, during opening ceremonies at the Cosmo Senior Citizens Centre, Mayor Dale McBain said Canada is the best country in the world, Saskatchewan is the best province in Canada and Moose Jaw is the best city in Saskatchewan.
"We need to reflect on our many blessings," he said, adding the past 142 years of Canada's existence have brought much prosperity to the nation.
"We can look forward to the future with eager anticipation."
During the Wakamow Valley celebrations, Caronport's Shelley Wright contemplated the importance of Canada Day for her. She told the Times-Herald it's good for Canadians to remember the privileges and freedoms they enjoy.
"We have the ability to do whatever we want, as long as it's not illegal."
Following afternoon celebrations, there were evening events at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, concluding with fireworks.

Carter Haydu can be reached at 691-1265.