Hoyun Lee
Hoyun Lee: My Canada, the Country with Tolerance, Big Heart, and Great Future
By Hoyun Lee, Sudbury, Ontario
When community leaders in Sudbury Ontario unveiled a plan for the establishment of “the Bridge of Nations,” the Korean community in the region enthusiastically participated in the initiative. The plan was to establish permanent flag-posts for people residing in the region to hoist the national flags of their origin, along with Canadian national, provincial (Ontario) and municipal (Greater Sudbury) flags. The flag hoisting ceremony was then held on Canada Day in 2007 on the Bridge of Nations located at the main route leading to the Greater Sudbury City Hall, with over 80 different “national” flags hoisted at the top of the posts erected at the side rails of the Bridge. The ceremony was truly a moving event – so many people with different cultural and racial backgrounds were greeting each other and enjoying the celebration of Canada day with proudly showing off their own unique cultures and flags. It was indeed extremely beautiful and harmonious scene, which was symbolized by the fluttering flags of so many different nations along with one dominant flag, the Canadian national flag. I never forget the wonderful scene happened on that bridge on that Canada day, and the very image is my Canada that I love and admire the most.
A truly remarkable and admirable thing is that the Bridge of Nations was a successful initiative of ordinary Canadians. Yes, our federal government has a multicultural policy and, yes, all three-levels of Canadian governments encourage tolerance and the accommodation of differences in culture. However, it is the people of Canada who tolerate differences; embrace diversities; and take care of less fortunate people. It is indeed ordinary Canadians who have been willing to accept so many refugees from all of the word with open heart, while a bigger and more powerful neighbouring country is building a wall against desperate refugees and less-fortunate people. It is the people who make Canada great, and I am extremely happy and proud to be part of this great country!
In my humble opinion, this kind of harmonious and patriotic multiculturalism has never existed at a national level in human history. In this sense, Canada is in the process of “carrying out an experiment” with historic significance. It is my strong belief that this “experiment” is destined to be successful, as history teaches us that a more tolerant, open and harmonious system always flourishes while a closed and intolerant society destines to fail. Canada may not be the most powerful country in the world at this point in time, but she is already a world leader in many different ways including morality and compassion. It is Canada who shows the world that people with different opinions and cultures can live together harmoniously and peacefully. I do not have any doubt that Canada will be the world most powerful leader in all aspects of human life by the time when Canadians celebrate the country’s 300-year birthday!
It is true that my heart is still with my mother land, Korea, although I have been living in Canada for over 40 years. After all, not only was I born, raised and educated in Korea but also I still have many relatives and friends in Korea. Furthermore, I still speak in Korean and eat Korean food at home. The 5,000 years of rich Korean history and her culture has provided me so many wonderful memories and educational opportunities. Therefore, no matter where I go or whatever I do, I am a proud Korean and Korean blood always runs in my heart. At the same time, however, I am also an extremely proud Canadian. After all, it is Canada who has provided me with a peaceful and happy life as well as the opportunity of becoming a successful scientist and educator. Moreover, Canada has also provided the opportunity for me and my wife to raise two wonderful children who have become very successful and proud Korean-Canadians. I am sure that most Canadian immigrants are similarly proud of being Canadian while highly valued their origins.
I felt that connecting Korea and Canada would be a wonderful thing as the former has a long and rich history and the latter has new energy. Therefore, I founded ten years ago a Korean School in Sudbury Ontario to provide the opportunity of learning Korean language and culture for young Canadians, especially for Korean-Canadian children. I sincerely hope that these young Canadians grow up with the same feeling of gratitude and happiness in Canada as I do now.
I do not have any doubt that future really belongs to Canada, as our next generations will keep building more wonderful things on this already magnificent country.
My Canada, a wonderful country with tolerance, big heart and great future!
May God bless Canada, Korea and their people!