If I was to think about the year and each day that it holds, then May 1st ranks as one of the most symbolic and significant days of the year for me. For what ever reason, the universe seems to have lined up some pretty memorable things to May 1st. Not really sure how this all worked out.
Now there is significance in the day already with May Day. May 1st, is International Workers’ Day, a day established to commemorate labour struggles by workers around the world since the mid-19th century, when the fight for the 8-hour day cost the lives of many of those active in their labour movements. For me, it is of different significance.
May 1st – 1966 I moved from England to Canada as a wee lad. My life in Canada was born when I set foot in North Vancouver. To think how our life wound up here is of coincidence as my father saw a Canadian government immigration tent in Southampton, England and his curiosity took his interest and he walked in and before he knew it, a day later we were authorized to venture to Canada. We picked Vancouver because my father said that since he was from Fiji, he wanted to be close to the Pacific Ocean so it was only a body of water away…who knew that the sentimental reason brought us to one of the most amazing places on earth.
May 1st, 1973 – We moved into the house that my parents still live in. This house has many memories and it is not a house but a home. We have seen our lives transform within the foundations of this place. I went to school from there, got married, started my career and this is also where my children now are part of.
May 1st, 1974 I then became a Canadian citizen. This country was officially home now. I must say that I have made it a goal to be a contributing member and to make this a better Canada. As John Furlong said that an immigration officer country, upon his entering Canada said: “make us better”, for me, becoming a Canadian citizen created an obligation to be the best I could be. I have a lot of pride and passion at being a Canadian.
May 1st, 1990 – My wife and I moved into the house we now live in. We have never thought of moving out of this house because again, it is home. It is everything we could ever hope for. So many memories and great neighbors has made this place somewhere life is established.
So you can see that May 1st is quite a special date for me…no labour required for me to appreciate this day. Sure it comes around once a year but it is a great day for me to reflect on how much my life has changed because of this one day. I appreciate this day every year and my pride and passion for this country rests with this day. Are there any days that are special and meaningful for you?