OSHAWA -- Life-long best friends Margaret Miller and Shirley Strutt of Oshawa dressed from head-to-toe in red and white on Canada Day in Oshawa and carried a prayer for Canadian soldiers.
"We are not a fighting country we are a peaceful country and that is why everyone comes [to Canada]," Mrs. Strutt, 71, said.
"We are trying to hang onto our country and we'll fight for our country if we have to."
The two senior citizens, who have been friends for 48 years, have been dressing up for the celebration at Lakeview Park for the past 12 years. Each year they try to show their spirit, boost moral and remember fallen soldiers.
Aaron Topple, who's serves with the Ontario Regiment reserve unit based in Oshawa, was one of several soldiers on hand at an armed forces display as part of the Canada day event held at the waterfront park Wednesday.
"A bunch of us have been overseas, and back and forth, so it's nice to see everyone off work and getting along for the day," Mr. Topple said.
The 28-year-old soldier returned from a tour in Afghanistan in 2007 and, as he showed off the inside of armed forces vehicles and tents to passersby, he said he feels "a small sense of accomplishment."
With a prayer for fallen soldiers in their hands and Canadian flag stockings on their feet, the two long-time friends -- Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Strutt -- are simply proud to be Canadian as Canada celebrates 142 years.
"It's Canada Day and I can do what I want," Mrs. Miller said. "I am a proud Canadian."
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