By Sean Mitton, Canadian Expat Network

As a Canadian Expat, I watch the closing Olympic Ceremonies with pride and sadness, but mostly pride. Sadness with respect to the end of two and half glorious weeks.I have never been more proud of my native country. Proud of the athletes, proud of the culture, proud of the Canadian character and proud of the people.

I've been in regular communications with people both home and abroad regarding the Olympics over the last 2 months. In Canada, I've heard nothing but praise for the torch run, which was a once in a lifetime event for many, as well as being a very emotional experiences for onlookers. Feedback from the Olympic community, spoke of a unique community engagement from the people of Vancouver, who I'm sure are looking forward to the break. For Canada, this event may change how we view ourselves.

At the same time, Canadians across the globe, have been getting together on a regular basis to celebrate the Opening ceremonies, hockey games and more. They missed not being a part of the games at home, as well as the CTV coverage. Amazing, the number of people, who wanted to get together to share in our Canadian heritage. The Gold Medal hockey game had at least 20 organized parties around the US alone.

Steve Keogh, the Director of Communications, commented that you have to expect that there will be challenges. He was right. The first week included a tragic death, opening ceremony malfunction and a question about the ability to win a gold medal on home soil. Canadians, I am reminded, are resilient people. Maybe it's from living in the cold for 4 months, but we don't give up. We overcame the slow start and challenges and showed the world who we are and flourished. There were too many moments to name, when the I felt overwhelemd with pride, but I will name one. And that was the last end of the Men's curling final when the crowd sang O'Canada. It was an unbelievable moment that I hope has been recorded on Youtube. The type of moment that gives you chills.

With hockey being a Canadian birthright, the Men's and women's teams didn't let us down. The US Goal with 24 seconds led to a collective Canadian gulp. But the team didn't just give us the recording setting 14th Gold medal, they gave us a moment that will live for future generations, just as Paul Henderson and the 72 Team gave us. Thanks to Sid and the boys, they delivered, and launched the "Goal heard around Canada". With so many Canadians living abroad, I change that to the "Goal heard around the World."

Thank you Vancouver 2010 Olympics. I live in the US, and I'm a proud Canadian.