It's The Maple Leaf Forever at St. David's Big Lunch this Sunday when a piece of the song's alleged maple tree will be presented to the parish by Rob Rathbun, officer of the maple leaf tartan-kilted Honourable Guard.
A leaf falling on the shoulder of Alexander Muir from a maple tree in front of his home on Toronto's Laing Street is believed to have inspired the Scots emigrant to write his poem in 1867.
When the famous Canadian tree crashed to the ground in a storm in 2013, it was decided that its branches would be used in some 150 projects across the nation.
The only limb to come to B.C. was acquired by the Society of the Honourable Guard in New Westminster to be wood turned into a ceremonial Drum Major's Mace. Smaller pieces of the tree are being shared by groups such as St. David's Tsawwassen, where it is felt there can hardly be a more Canadian way of marking the country's 150th birthday.
Now in its sixth year, St. David's Big Lunch continues to emulate the UK's annual get together of friends and neighbours. Every June in the UK, since the Big Lunch idea was launched in 2009, people stop what they're doing to join with neighbours in a nationwide act of community and friendship.
"Getting together over a meal can lead to people doing more within their community and tackling the issues that matter to them most," was but one comment in praise of the Big Lunch.
Red and white pennants, balloons, table coverings, napkins, flags and decorated cake will leave no doubt that St. David's parishioners are poised to welcome neighbours to a celebration of Canada's 150th birthday.
Seaforth Highlanders piper Alan Bain, St. David's madrigal songsters Allen Desnoyers (aka Captain George Vancouver), Lesley Sutherland and Sara Ciantar will entertain during the event. Others will serve barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs, salads, desserts, beverages, ice cream and birthday cake. Big Lunchers are urged to wear national dress to reflect Canada's multi-cultural history.
