National anthems are a powerful tool for bonding

It was Memorial Day. We stood in a pristine white building in downtown Tel Aviv, listening to the music. Our translator leaned in and whispered the lyrics.

"Our hope is not yet lost -- the hope of two thousand years: To be a free nation in our land."

Only eight lines long, Israel's national anthem conveys the pain of thousands of years of Jewish struggles, but even more so, it speaks of hope. In fact, the title Hatikvah is Hebrew for "the hope."

We stood still but were deeply moved as we listened to crowd sing.

As we travel the world, we're constantly amazed at how much a national anthem can reveal about a country. Far more than a simple account of a nation's history, national anthems help to create and maintain a national identity.

The Star-Spangled Banner is reflective of America's conflict-laden past with various references to war: Rockets, bombs and a perilous fight. And today it's often played over-top a video montage of majestic bald eagles, fighter planes in formation and the flag flapping in the wind.

The lyrics are from a poem written in 1814, but almost 200 years later they help maintain a culture of fierce patriotism and a deep pride in their military might.

In contrast, countries not founded through revolution have more peaceful anthems. And over time, these countries have tended to reserve the use of military action for peacekeeping missions. Australia's national anthem makes no mention of war, neither does Switzerland's. Norway makes references to fighting but says they're "armed to guard her peace," much like our own national anthem where "we stand on guard for thee."

Anthems may also praise a king or queen, or herald the glory of the republic as allegiances to the political system are established. The repetition of phrases like "Long live the king," in Saudi Arabia's anthem ensures the monarchy is deeply entrenched within the culture.

And when dramatic changes within a country occur, they're often marked by a new national anthem. Or in the case of Germany, the song remains, only the stanzas change.

"It was very interesting in Germany to see them use the same song," says Jennifer Jenkins, an associate professor at the University of Toronto and an expert on national identity and culture. "During the Nazi era they sang the first stanza, which talks of German superiority. But afterwards, the Federal Republic of Germany adopted the third stanza as the national anthem, which is all about freedom and justice."

Religious references are also common. God figures are thanked for watching over the land and protecting the people. The Iranian national anthem even glorifies martyrdom.

"O Martyrs! Your clamours echo in the ears of time: Be enduring, continuing and eternal -- The Islamic Republic of Iran."

In landlocked Zimbabwe, you even hear about their dependency on the land and constant struggle with food supplies.

"May rain abound and fertile fields; may we be fed, our labour blessed."

But as Jenkins points out, perhaps even more important than the role they play in creating and preserving a national identity, anthems have the ability to bring people together.

"I'm a new Canadian citizen and I can tell you how important the anthem is," she says. "'With glowing hearts we see thee rise' -- singing this with a crowd of people is a powerful way to build a bond."

Tuesday is Canada Day and all across the country citizens new and old will be singing Oh Canada. So join in as we celebrate the "True North strong and free," and sing as one collective voice.

Marc and Craig Kielburger co-founded Free the Children. The primary goal of the organization is to free children from poverty and exploitation through education.