I am Canadian, but for years I didn't identify with my national identity. When I began to travel and live abroad for work, I quickly became aware of what being Canadian meant. I became a passionate patriot. I love my country.

This year I drove across two-thirds of Canada and was astonished by the regional differences. We are not homogenous, though we are all Canadian.

Regardless of where you live, let's use the occasion of the birthday of Canada to celebrate our respective countries and recognize the mosaic of differences that make up our national identity. Let's conjure what "All Are Welcome Here" looks and feels like.

Envision the map of your country. See its dimensions. Pay attention to the variety of races, colors, languages, and cultures present. Conjure an image of this diversity coming together harmoniously, finding belonging, peace, and identity within your beloved country.