Thousands gathered to celebrate Canada’s 149th birthday in the nation’s capital on Friday, joining Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General David Johnston on Parliament Hill for musical performances and a 21-gun salute.

Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and two of their three children arrived to cheering crowds on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where partygoers waved Canadians flags and danced to live music.

Following Johnston’s arrival with his wife Sharon, festivities kicked off with a 21-gun salute.

Before the musical performances got underway, Trudeau, Johnston and federal Heritage Minister Melanie Joly also participated in a traditional smudging ceremony led by Elder Dominique Rankin.

Canada’s Snowbirds and CF-18s also conducted a flyby to mark the occasion. According to RCMP, approximately 40,000 people attended the midday show.

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Speaking to the crowd on Parliament Hill in both French and English, Trudeau thanked Canada for being an “extraordinary” country.

He paid tribute to Canada’s diversity and tendency toward kindness, compassion and fairness.

“Canada is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, and also one of the most prosperous,” Trudeau said. “And it’s not a coincidence that diversity makes our strength.”

Trudeau emphasized that Canada is a country that is committed to renewing relations with its indigenous peoples, by respecting their ancestral traditions.

“Canadians are often on indigenous peoples’ tradition territory without realizing it, and it’s important for all of us to reflect upon that because the first step of true reconciliation is learning more about one another,” he said.

Johnston also addressed the crowd, speaking about the kindness and generosity of emergency responders, First Nations and other Canadians from across the country who helped residents of Fort McMurray in the aftermath of a devastating wildfire earlier this year.

“What a great example of people coming together,” Johnston said. “And that’s of course, exactly what we’re celebrating today.

“People coming together on this day 149 years ago, and creating Canada.”

On Friday morning, Trudeau spoke at the Canadian War Museum, where he marked the sombre 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme and Beaumont Hamel in the First World War.

In a statement released Friday, interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose called Canada “the best country in the world,” and a place of “boundless opportunity.”

She also paid tribute to veterans and members of Canadian Armed Forces, thanking them for “their service to our country, for their bravery in the most dangerous parts of the globe, and for maintaining the safety and security we enjoy every day.”

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said in a statement that Canadians have much to be proud of.

“Canada Day is an opportunity for family and friends to come together not only in celebration but to take stock of our shared values and all that we’ve accomplished together.”

A second show on Parliament Hill is expected to take place Friday evening, with more musical performances and a fireworks display.

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