Newcomers to Canada are embracing the July 1st celebrations with an unprecedented fervour.
For many of them, like the Mirakian family from Syria, this country opened its doors to them during the worst time of their lives.
Now they are excited to participate in the best times here.
It's a big day for Canadians, getting decked out in red and white and celebrating the 150th birthday of this amazing country.
Sometimes we take it all for granted until you see it through a different set of eyes.
Three-year-old Patil Mirakian couldn't wait for Canada Day to show off her new red and white dress, emblazoned with a maple leaf, nor could she contain her excitement building around Canada Day, as she twirls and spins in front of her family.
But not so long ago, Howanes Mirakian and his family knew fear not joy, wondering about their future in a war-torn country. The Mirakians were part of the Syria's Armenian Christian minority who fled that country, looking for a better life.
“It’s a great chance when Canada opened the gates for newcomers and refugees,” says Mirakian, “It's a chance for us, a new life, a new future, a new beginning.”
Mirakian was a goldsmith in Syria, making jewelry like earrings and bracelets. Those skills helped him land a job making bagels at the Ottawa Bagelshop and Deli.
It provides him an opportunity to support his mother, wife, 3-year-old Patil and now 2-week-old Ani.
“She is born in Canada, she is Canadian child,” Mirakian says, as he proudly glances at his sleeping infant, “We are happy.”
The family arrived in Ottawa in December of 2015, sponsored by their second cousins who run a pharmacy in town. Being part of this community and part of the Canada Day celebrations,Mirakian says, is an honor.
“For us, it is a big day, a great day and we are happy to celebrate,” he adds, “it is an honor for us to be here on this day.”
His wife Maral mirrors his enthusiasm, “I know Canada is beautiful and everything is good for the future for my children and my kids.”
For Patil, which means Snowflake by the way in Armenian, she is still struggling with the language, but still manages a shy “Happy Canada Day.”
The very things they love about this country, the diversity, the inclusivity is why Howanes Mirakian is proud to say those words in his own Armenian language, “which means Happy Canada Day,” he adds, “Congratulations Canada.”
So are they going down to Parliament Hill July 1st? You bet. Look for them in the crowd, decked out in red and white, with the biggest smiles on their faces.