'O Canada!' was proclaimed the National Anthem of Canada, on Canada Day, July 1, 1980 - 100 years after it's first performance in 1880 for St. Jean-Baptiste Da celebrations. Composed by Calixa Lavallée, the French lyrics were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. Many English versions followed, but the current lyrics are based on a version written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir.

The official English version includes the changes recommended by a Special Joint Committee on the Senate and House of Commons in 1968. The French lyrics have remained unchanged since the day they were written.

O Canada!

O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
Our True North strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada!We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!:
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. :
O Canada!Where pines and maples grow,
Great prairies spread and lordly rivers flow,
How dear to us thy broad domain,
From East to Western sea!
Thou land of hope for all who toil!
Thou True North strong and free!
God keep our land glorious and free!:
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. :
O Canada!Beneath thy shining skies
May stalwart sons and gentle maidens rise
To keep thee steadfast through the years
From East to Western sea,
Our own beloved native land,
Our True North strong and free!
God keep our land glorious and free!:
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. :
Ruler supreme, Who hearest humble prayer,
Hold our Dominion in Thy loving care.
Help us to find, O God, in Thee
A lasting rich reward,
As waiting for the better day,
We ever stand on guard.
God keep our land glorious and free!:
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. :

The French Version

O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux,
Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux!
Car ton bras sait porter l'épée,
Il sait porter la croix!
Ton histoire est une épopée
Des plus brillants exploits.
Et ta valeur, de foi trempée,|:
Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. :
Sous l'œil de Dieu,
près du fleuve géant,
Le Canadien grandit en espérant.
Il est né d'une race fière,
Béni fut son berceau.
Le ciel a marqué sa carrière
Dans ce monde nouveau.
Toujours guidé par sa lumière,|:
Il gardera l'honneur de son drapeau. :
De son patron, précurseur du vrai Dieu,
Il porte au front l'auréole de feu.
Ennemi de la tyrannie Mais plein de loyauté,
Il veut garder dans l'harmonie,
Sa fière liberté;
Et par l'effort de son génie,:
Sur nôtre sol asseoir la vérité. :
Amour sacré du trône et de l'autel,
Remplis nos coeurs de ton souffle immortel!
Parmi les races étrangères,
Notre guide est la loi:
Sachons être un peuple de frères,
Sous le joug de la foi.
Et répétons, comme nos pères,
Le cri vainqueur:

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