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Shouldn't change Canada's national anthems

If we must, make French national anthem gender neutral, too

To the editor:

Canada is the greatest country in the world and the Institute for Canadian Values believes historical revisionists should leave the nation's anthems as they have been.

On June 1, Parliament voted 219 to 79 for Bill C-210, the National Anthem Act, attempting to expunge "in all thy sons command" from the lyrics, replacing it with "in all of us command."

Members of Parliament are being hypocritical by attempting to change Canada's English national anthem, but not touching the French version.

Somehow "all thy sons command" is offensive to some, but "Terre de nos aïeux, (Land of our forefathers)" is acceptable masculine language.

There is no appetite to alter the French version due to respect for French Canadian history; however, it seems that 219 MPs do not share the same respect for English Canadian heritage.

The next step for revisionists will be to remove "God," "wield the sword," "carry the cross" and "valour steeped in faith" from the anthems.

Canada's national anthems are precious to the foundation of the country and should not be changed."

Dr. Charles McVety, president

Institute for Canadian Values