Compared to our neighbours to the south, who marked their nation’s birthday on Friday, it’s fair to say the celebrations in Ajax and Pickering were probably much more subdued.

This is not an indication of pride, or lack of it, in our country, but of one difference between Canadians and Americans. In the U.S., flags are everywhere and, while more have appeared here in recent years, the number doesn’t nearly approach those seen flying from porches or elsewhere in the States.

Americans in general are much more demonstrative, much more likely to tell you their country is great, than Canadians. We, on the other hand, don’t feel the need to fly the flag or brag about Canada. It’s just not our way. It’s like someone born and bred in the country or in the woods. They don’t spend much time, any, really, rhapsodizing about the beauty of the landscape etc. They know it’s beautiful and leave it at that. Similarly, Canadians know our country is beautiful and that we’re loved around the world and take pride in it. We just don’t brag about it.

Our more muted celebrations suit us just fine. Some vignettes we observed on Canada Day were: neighbours sitting together on lawn chairs in the shade having a relaxing chat; kids cycling around having a great old time: and, fireworks being set off in several neighbourhoods as people had mini-parties.

Of course, both Ajax and Pickering held events that were well attended by local people, a great chance to spend time together with family and friends, not talking about our country’s greatness, but enjoying our freedoms and wonderful quality of life.

Both municipalities also hold citizenship ceremonies, and if you’ve never attended one, they’re fascinating in that you see the whole spectrum of people who’ve come to our country and made it their own. And, in some cases you see the excitement and pride of whole families becoming citizens. They are truly moving ceremonies and it’s hard not to become emotional at them.

Ajax has a wonderful tradition of holding such a ceremony on Canada Day, and this year 33 people officially became Canadians. Judge Philip Gaynor, who came to Canada from Ireland 45 years ago, conducted the event.

“It’s not easy to leave the land of your birth,” he said at the ceremony. “We will accept you into the family of Canada.”

Mayor Steve Parish, Ajax-Pickering MP Mark Holland and Tracey Vaughan, executive director of the Community Development Council Durham, offered help and encouragement.

And they all meant it, demonstrating one of our best qualities as Canadians: we genuinely welcome newcomers to what becomes their country as well.