There was a man, a slightly eccentric-looking man named Bobby Gimby, who led this great country's children in song, to a song he wrote with composer Ben McPeek; the celebratory tune was called "Canada".
It is a very infectious ditty, and one imprinted in our minds partly because we kiddies sang "Caaa naaa daaaaa" many times; but it was a fun to sing and not out of duty alone. We rehearsed in our little one-room school... sorry, Igloo, in preparation for a visit by the pied piper himself. I remember him being an energetic guy, one loving what he was doing. He was very animated.
Needless to say, Mr. Gimby (pronounced "Jim-bee") fell off the radar for a lot of Canadians after our Centennial year. That was to be expected. But, for those of us of a certain age, Canada's Pied Piper will never be forgotten.
By the way, I just now heard "Canada" again for the first time in decades. I think it's a great song... and perfect for kids to sing.
Of course Youtube has a video of the song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18-oRTLIe3I
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