Thousands of Canadians are flocking to Parliament Hill Sunday to celebrate the country’s 145th birthday and mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812, a decisive event that essentially created the nation.

The noon celebrations feature performers including indie rock star Feist and French crooner Roch Voisine, but it will also offer Canadians a glimpse into the past with actors playing key figures from the war.

“There are people already here, a steady stream of red and white coming onto the Hill,” CTV’s Mercedes Stephenson said Sunday.

Everything from Canada flags being worn as capes to red-sequined hats, and even Hawaiian leis made from red and white flowers abound on the Hill, Stephenson told CTV News Channel.

“A lot of people are very excited to be up here . . . they want to get close to the stage to see those fantastic Canadian performers,” she said.

The Snowbirds are also making a special flyover for the celebrations as well, Stephenson said.

Characters from the War of 1812, which was a series of decisive battles that pushed back an American invasion of Canada, will be up front during the festivities on Parliament Hill, including Laura Secord, she said.

“I’ll give you a hint, she might be famous for her chocolate now, but she had a whole different role in that war,” Stephenson mused.

The Grey Cup will also be given VIP status as the football tournament celebrates its 100th birthday this year.

In his Canada Day message, the Governor General said that from the moment of Confederation in 1867, Canada has been a unique and challenging experiment.

“Canadians work hard every day on behalf of their families, their communities and their country,” David Johnston said.

“Having met with thousands of you, I know how hard Canadians work. I also know that, regardless of age or affiliation, Canadians desire a better country.

“Each of us aspires to create a smarter, more caring nation, where everyone can succeed and contribute,” he said.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his message touched on Canada as a proud nation with a “strong and growing economy” and a “caring and compassionate society.”

“. . . the enthusiasm of our London-bound Olympic athletes and the bravery and devotion of our men and women in uniform,” Harper said, reminding Canadians of the military struggle that made Canada possible.

“The United States is today our good neighbour and close friend, but the border was once a place of fear and hostility,” he said.

Canadians joined together from all backgrounds 200 years ago to fight for Canada and laid the foundations for the parliamentary federation of freedom, democracy and justice we enjoy today, Harper said.

“For the best country in the world, this is a great day.”

Internet giant Google is marking Canada Day as well with a version of its popular doodle that features a beaver wearing a crown and holding the Canadian flag.

The doodle's creator, 32-year-old Willie Real of Mountain View, Calif., says the Google doodle has become a holiday staple and Canada Day is no different.

The beaver is the country's national symbol and represents the building of dams in Canada, while the crown represents the country’s connection to the royal family.

For some people, Canada’s birthday marked a welcome end to long years of waiting to become citizens.

For others, it was a tremendous sense of achievement, and for many more, it brought simple relief.

But amid the wide array of emotions on display at a special citizenship ceremony in Toronto, one reigned supreme - pure, infectious, joy.

Immigrants from 38 different countries gained their citizenship ahead of the national holiday.

To Shahied Gairy, Friday’s oath-taking ceremony at Pearson International Airport was like a burden being lifted from his shoulders.

“This has been the end of a very long process for us,” said Gairy, who came to Canada from Grenada seven years ago and overcame a number of challenges before claiming his citizenship.

For one younger new Canadian, becoming a citizen underscored the liberties offered by his new country.

“It means that you have freedom of expression, and you can vote," said 13-year-old Shaharyar Khan.

With files from The Canadian Press