On Patriotic Love by Lydia

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Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it means to belong, not just to a place, but to a story. What’s in a name? A nationality? To me, identity is not merely inherited but shaped by our ancestors, the lessons they passed down, and the values we uphold. It is a reflection of our history, our struggles, and the determination that shapes both our past and our future. In these past few weeks, I’ve marvelled at how Canadian identity remains a faithful foundation—built on pride, strength, honour, and solidarity, bound together by the stories of those who came before us, even those who paid the price so that we might stand here today–still searching, still fighting, still insisting on the truth of who we are.
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Relationships, whether between people or nations, are tested in moments of strain: how we love, how we care, how we hold on to each other in times of struggle. As the longstanding friendship between Canada and the U.S. faces newfound tension following Trump’s tariff changes, I am reminded that our national identity is not just a foundation—it is a force that unites us, too. It is about how we show up for one another, how we resist threats that seek to divide, and how we insist on justice even when it comes at a cost. Across our provinces, from bustling metropolises to quiet rural towns, the Canadian flag waves– not as decoration but as a declaration– as a testament to our resilience and values. In the face of economic shifts and political uncertainty, pushback slogans such as “Elbows Up” and “Buy Canadian” reaffirm what defines us—our commitment to peace, sovereignty, inclusion, and mutual respect. Though challenges may come, the spirit of Canada remains resolute, and firm in its vision for a future where unity prevails over division.

For much of my life, I saw myself as Polish first. It’s what I was taught, what I knew. Though born in Canada, my sense of self was deeply tied to my family’s history, their struggles, and the way they carried home with them wherever they went. But belonging is not just about inheritance. It is about choice. Over time, I have come to embrace what it means to be a proud Canadian—not as a replacement for my roots, but as an expansion of them. Canada has never asked me to choose between past and present, between where I come from and where I am headed. Instead, it has given me the freedom to carry both– the tenacity of my ancestors alongside the values of inclusion, diversity, and shared purpose.

My father’s life mirrors this harmony between ancestry and identity. During World War II, he was a Polish soldier and a secret school teacher, standing bravely against oppression. Before being sent to a concentration camp, he assumed a new identity—a decision that likely saved his life. After the war, with Stalin’s shadow falling over Poland, returning to his true name– or country– was impossible. And yet, he remained himself. He fought for his homeland, and later, when he came to Canada, he fought in a different way—through words, through community, through ensuring that Polish Canadians never forgot where they came from. He embraced Canada not because it replaced his identity but because it allowed him to live safely under the name that protected him while still honouring his true self. And this, I have learned, is the heart of belonging—not favouring one over the other, but embracing the space between, where all of who we are is held with both love and integrity.

Just as I have sought to reconcile my Polish heritage with my Canadian identity, our nation must also recognize that self-governance is more than economy or borders—it is about the values we choose to uphold. It is about how we define ourselves in the face of external pressures, how we hold firm in our convictions, and how we refuse to let others dictate who we are.


Now, as we face new political and economic challenges, we must remember that our independence, like our identity, is worth defending. Today, as I watch tensions between Canada and the U.S. escalate, I am reminded of how history often begins with economic justifications, only to reveal deeper ambitions. Hitler, too, framed his early policies as economic revitalization, using national strength as a rallying cry before unleashing something far more horrendous. Trump’s aggressive tariffs are only the beginning—he has openly questioned Canada’s sovereignty, going so far as to suggest we should become the 51st U.S. state. These statements are not just reckless rhetoric; they are calculated tactics that threaten our freedom,  the very foundation of our national security and identity.

In response, Canadians are resisting—boycotting American goods, rallying behind local businesses, and standing together in firm defiance. Our country is not defined by external pressures but by the strength of its people. I am reminded of my father’s words, We do not back down. We do not yield. And we will not let anyone—no matter how powerful—define who we are. But resilience is not just about resistance; it is about actively shaping the future we want to see. Together, we must invest in our societies, support policies that endorse our values, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

True patriotism is not about isolation—it is about strengthening what makes us who we are. It’s about devotion and love. While Canada and the U.S. share deep economic and cultural ties, ensuring our independence requires vigilance and a steadfast commitment to our identity and ideals. After all,  as we've recently seen, the tides of diplomacy can change swiftly, reminding us of the importance of staying true to our principles and that our country is only as strong as our willingness to defend it.


So what can we do? We can engage in civic participation, vote with intention, support Canadian industries, and educate ourselves on the policies that shape our nation’s future. We can reflect on our heritage, the sacrifices that have shaped us and what it means to be Canadian, using the lessons of our past to inform the choices we make today. Each of us has a role to play—whether in our communities, workplaces, or families. Let us actively define the future we envision. Patriotism is not just about remembering where we came from—it’s about taking responsibility for where we are going. And as history has shown, Canada is strongest when its people stand together. 


Oh Canada!