'I'm safe here': Syrian family shares their gratitude on Canada 150

FadiaAlyousef can still remember the chilling temperaturesshe felt when first arrivingin Fredericton just over a year ago from Syria. But the feeling quickly disappearedwhen she settled into her new home in Canada.

"When we came, the weather was really bad but I'm feeling warm because the Canadian people are very friendly," she said.

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Hundreds of people gathered in Fredericton'sOfficers' Square to celebrate Canada's big birthday bash, includingAlyousef, her husband WaheedAlfarhatand their six children.

Over the past few months, the couple hasbeen busy learning English at the Multicultural Association of Fredericton. ButonSaturday the familytook a break by celebratingCanada Day with fellowCanadians in downtown Fredericton.

"I like the people, they're very nice," said Alfarhat, who was looking forward to singing and dancing the day away.

The couple said they're grateful forCanadian summers,the province's green spaceandtheir family's safety.

"My children are safe they can play at school, at any place and nobody will hurt them," said Alyousef."I'm safe here."

A new life in Canada

Tyrell Guillermo moved to Canada from the Philippines with his family three weeks ago, and he's celebrating bychowingdown ona large plate ofpoutineon the streets of Fredericton.

"It's so friendly here,"said the 11-year-old. "It's great."

Tyrell, who just finished Grade 5, said his family moved to Canada in hopes of having a better life. He's already looking forward to winter.

"There's no snow in thePhilippines," he said.

A great nation

Saturday's festivities also included live performances in Fredericton's downtown core, as well as a parade that featured a variety of clubs and multicultural groups from across the city.

RandyLeBlancand his soon to be wife,RachelleLandry, were among the hundreds of people who crammed together to watch the parade and listen to live music on Canada's big day.

The couple said it's important to be a part of the event, which like Canada, celebrates freedom and liberty.

"What we have, we take it for granted sometimes," saidLeBlanc. "You wake up in the morning, you go toTimsand get your coffee and we don't even think of the freedoms we have, that we should actually be thankful for everyday."

A story to tell

LeBlanc said he loves everything about Canada and is grateful he could take part in the special day.

"It's Canada, it's greatright from B.C., right down to Newfoundland," he said.

Isla Hayward is grateful she was able to take part in Canada 150 on Saturday so she can tell her kids about it someday.

"I can say, 'Oh I was part of this really big celebration and it was really fun,'" said the 11-year-old.

Isladrove down to the Fredericton event from Saint John with her grandparents, hoping to catch some fireworks and celebrate some of Canada' finest features.

"What I love about Canada is that everybody is really nice and polite," she said.