Canadians celebrated the 143rd birthday of their country today with a special guest: Queen Elizabeth II, Canada's symbolic head of state, according to AP. Welcomed with a 21-gun salute, marching band playing Canada's national anthem and «God Save the Queen,» her majesty stood on Parliament Hill in the country's capital before a cheering crowd of about 70,000 celebrating her arrival and the birth of their nation. Donning a crimson suit, white hat and a maple leaf broach _ embodying all the elements of the country's flag _ she was treated to a concert before she addressed the crowd. «Today, all across this country, Canadians are coming together to celebrate the history of Canada, its identity, and its achievements,» the Queen said in French, the country's second national language. The 84-year-old monarch praised Canada's evolution since Canadian colonies united as a country in 1867. «I have watched with enormous admiration how Canada has grown and matured while remaining true to its history, its distinctive character and its values,» said her majesty.
