7 U.S. Presidents Who Gushed About The Awesomeness Of Canada
Canada and the United States share a special relationship that is unmatched by any other in the world. The two countries share the longest international border in the world, and have often come to each other's aid in times of need. America's presidents throughout history have had great things to say about their neighbour to the north.
From the 1940s and into the 2000s, U.S. leaders have emphasized how important the alliance, friendship, and cooperation between both countries has been.
With less than two weeks to go before the U.S. federal election, it might be a good time to look back on some of the kindness shown to Canada by sitting heads of state. These inspiring words have been archived by the United States government.
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt
President Roosevelt steered the United States through both the Great Depression and the Second World War.
When he travelled north of the border to address Parliament in 1943, he talked about how comfortable the citizens of each country feel when visiting the other.
"I have always felt at home in Canada," Roosevelt said, "and you, I think, have always felt at home in the United States.
Dwight Eisenhower
Eisenhower is probably best known for his military service during the Second World War and his speech emphasizing the potential dangers of the military industrial complex.
While addressing Parliament in November 1953, Eisenhower offered a flattering compliment on Canada's continued progress in the twentieth century.
"You, of Canada, are building a magnificent record of achievement," he said, "my country rejoices in it."
John F. Kennedy
Kennedy took on the role of president following Eisenhower's departure and quickly became a popular leader. He is still the youngest person to be elected to the office.
In 1961, Kennedy poetically summed up all of the ways Canada and the United States are bound together.
"Geography has made us neighbours. History has made us friends. Economics has made us partners. And necessity has made us allies," he said, "Those whom nature hath so joined together, let no man put asunder."
Lyndon B. Johnson
Johnson was Kennedy's vice president, and was sworn in after his death. He was elected in his own right in 1964, and it was during this term that he paid a visit to Montreal for the 1967 Expo.
There, he expressed how lucky the U.S. is to have such a great neighbouring country.
"We of the United States consider ourselves blessed. We have much to give thanks for," Johnson said, "But the gift of providence we cherish most is that we were given as our neighbours on this wonderful continent the people and the nation of Canada."
Ronald Reagan
Elected in 1980 by a huge margin of electoral votes, Ronald Reagan served two terms, leading the United States through the 1980s.
When speaking at a welcoming ceremony in Quebec City in 1985, he emphasized the familial relationship between both countries.
"We’re more than friends and neighbours and allies," Reagan said, "we are kin, who together have built the most productive relationship between any two countries in the world today."
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton was elected in 1992, and is notably the first person born in the baby boomer generation to become president.
When he was in high school, Clinton met John F. Kennedy in the White House Rose Garden, which motivated him to enter politics.
In delivering remarks to Parliament in 1995, Clinton expressed how he felt about the friendship between Canada and the United States.
"Ours is the world’s most remarkable relationship – the prime minister said, whether we like it or not," he said, "I can tell you that on most days I like it very, very much."
Barack Obama
Barack Obama's 2008 election win was a historic moment, as he became America's first Black president. He saw the country through an economic recovery following a major recession.
Obama would visit Canada numerous times, and in 2009, he had nothing but good things to say about it.
"I think that Canada is one of the most impressive countries in the world, the way it has managed a diverse population, a migrant economy," he said, adding, "The natural beauty of Canada is extraordinary."