DESCRIPTION:
Today is July 1st, and it is the birthday of the country that I am happy to call home. I thought it would be a fitting time to post our National Anthem.

O Canada was composed by Calixa Lavallée, (December 28, 1842 - January 21, 1891). He was commissioned by the Lieutenant Governor of Québec, Théodore Robitaille, to compose O Canada to a patriotic poem by Adolphe-Basile Routhier in 1880.

Just before the time that Lavallée died, the Berlin Organ and Piano Company began operations, so I chose this organ made in Berlin Canada (now Kitchener) to play it on. This organ was made in 1897.

Here are the complete lyrics, all four verses. The last verse is a prayer:

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.

O Canada! Where pines and maples grow.
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow.
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea.
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North, strong and free!
Chorus:

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada! Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons, and gentle maidens rise,
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western sea.
Our own beloved native land!
Our True North, strong and free!
Chorus:

Ruler supreme, who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion in thy loving care;
Help us to find, O God, in thee
A lasting, rich reward,
As waiting for the better Day,
We ever stand on guard.
Chorus