It's a day you might know nothing about, but one that Canada's celebrated for over 200 years.

The second Monday in March marks Commonwealth Day, a celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations, which countries like Canada, Australia and South Africa have been a part of since 1931.

It originally started in Canada as a tribute to Queen Victoria and the British Empire, and was known as Empire Day in 1899.*

Fast forward decades later and the late Pierre Trudeau helped push the celebration to commemorate the entire Commonwealth of Nations.*

Trudeau's son and current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement today inviting all Canadians “to use today as an opportunity to learn more about the shared history and values that bind the peoples of the Commonwealth.”

*With references from The Canadian Encyclopedia, Government of Canada: Culture History And Sport

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