Deployed coalition forces celebrate Canada Day

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/3/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With Canadian flags strung from corner to corner, maple syrup candies on every table, and Canadian paraphernalia at every turn, Canadian, U.S., Australian, coalition and mission partners celebrated Canada's birthday July 1 during an event hosted by the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here in what is known as the "Pyramid" morale tent.Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act, or what is now referred to as the Constitution Act of 1867. This legislature united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire.Many communities across the country host organized celebrations for Canada Day, usually outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks and free musical concerts.Deployed service members here shared similar activities ranging from a Canadian trivia game, guitar solo and board games. Game prizes were affectionately adorned with red and white maple leafs and included everything from ball caps and t-shirts to Canadian flag pins and tattoos.