Be proud of your rich heritage and our freedom.

That was the main sentiment from the Canada Day greetings of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor General David Johnston.

"We have much for which to proud and thankful," said Harper. "A strong and growing economy, a caring and compassionate society, the enthusiasm of our London-bound Olympic athletes and bravery and devotion of our men and women in uniform."

"At the heart of this family resides our commitment to each other. From the moment of Confederation in 1867, this country has been a unique and challenging experiment," said Johnston.

"As my predecessor John Buchan observed: "The Fathers of Confederation gave Canada union. They could not give her unity. That is up to each of us, as members of the Canadian family."

The Prime Minister also made mention of

the two-hundredth anniversary of the War of 1812. He touted how the resistance against the American invasion laid the foundations for today's Canada.

"Our ancestors, English, French, Aboriginal and people of all backgrounds joined in the fight for Canada. In doing so, they created a common sense of nationality based on diversity."

Today's Canada Day marks the 145th anniversary of Confederation.