In Ottawa: Guest for 2011 "Canada Day" to draw 500,000+

from WASHINGTONPOST dot-com correspondent's filed report (Ottawa is Capital of Canada)

In honor of today’s Canada Day festivities, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have issued a formal message expressing their appreciation to all those serving in Afghanistan. The signed message states: “We join with all Canadians gathered here on Parliament Hill on Canada Day in thanking you from the bottom of our hearts for your extraordinary commitment and contribution to the cause of peace.”
Bearing a close resemblance to the U.S. Fourth of July holiday with collective fireworks displays, barbecues and parades, Canada Day is celebrated each July 1 to commemorate the union of the British North American colonies with the Province of Canada.
The crowds for Will and Kate’s appearance at Canada’s 144th birthday fete are expected to exceed half a million.