Canada Vignettes: Crossing Guards

When I was a young kid in the late 1980s, I remember seeing this on television. I only remember seeing it a few times, but its impact, and message has stayed with me for over 20 years. This short vignette had a calming and soothing effect on me. It allowed me to explore an aspect of reality that people never pay attention to. Sure, we see crossing guards daily (though it seems they seem to be dying out these days), but we never really consider them as a person.

We just walk by, and maybe share the odd greeting with the person, but nothing more. This vignette is touching in its portrayal of crossing guards. I have not seen it in years, but my memory is able to bring back good feelings just by thinking of it. I remember one scene near the end, where they showed clips of each crossing guard smiling. Really great feelings through this. Things like this are important in keeping the simple, special parts of the past alive. All too often we rush about our lives, and we forget to find joy and relaxation in the simple, everyday things. This vignette allows one to relieve his or her childhood, if only for a few minutes.

For years, the Canada Vignettes were a welcome part of Canadian TV and none of the live action ones had more charm and love than this particular one.

It's a wonderful snapshot of Canadian urban life in the 1970's at its best. There is something special to see this film paying tribute and giving voice to these volunteers who gave their time to ensure the safety of school children, set to a gentle Arlo Guthrie like ballad. Combine this with the footage of children of that era with charming antics of their own and it brings back fond memories of a time of a more compassionate Canada that is sorely missed today.

This is one of my favourite shorts of the series. Watching the crossing guards at work, protecting children in busy Toronto traffic really makes you appreciate those in the field. It was a delight watching them interact with the children, so loving and sweet. I also enjoyed the music. Murray McLauchlan has such a fantastic voice. I highly recommend this short.