Yes, during one of our education programs, I do make students sing. Now you may think that's odd as I teach local history at a museum. But while I believe students must know facts and data to understand a time period, it is also important to sometimes immerse them into the time period so they can better appreciate that people thought differently and had different experiences than they do today. And, as I constantly explain to students, you don't have to agree with what they thought, but you do need to understand what they thought.

So during our Second World War program students sing the Maple Leaf Forever, a song that would have been very familiar to southern Alberta students during the Second World War.

They also stand and recite the Canadian's Creed. The Creed was issued by the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Alberta and according to the person who donated it to the Galt Archives (who was the Principal of one of the schools in Lethbridge), the Creed used to hang on classroom walls in Lethbridge during the Second World War and was recited daily by all students. The Creed stated at the top who Canadians were and what they believed in. The bottom stated the four duties of every Canadian, including the students.

Over the years the Creed had led to some fascinating discussions with students (grades 4 and older) so I thought I would post it here for everyone.

THE CANADIAN'S CREED

I believe in the Dominion of Canada as a government of the people, by the people, for the people; whose just powers are derived from the consent of the governed; a democracy in a sovereign State, being a component part of the British Empire, an association of sovereign States established upon principles of freedom, equality, justice and humanity.

I therefore believe it is my duty to my Country to love it; to obey and maintain its laws; to respect its flag; and to defend it against all enemies.