RIVER JOHN - Wallace Sutherland said he feels the same today about the Canadian flag as he did 45 years ago when he watched the very first one hoisted on Parliament Hill.
The River John resident was one of only 100 people serving in the Queen's Honour Guard when the red and white maple leaf was unfurled during a national ceremony in Ottawa, and on Monday he hoisted the true Canadian symbol during the Flag Day ceremony at River John Consolidated School.
"It brings back memories," said Sutherland.
He feels the Flag Day celebration is important to remind people about the meaning behind the flag, which is embraced as a symbol of honesty and peace around the globe.
"I think it's really good for the children to learn what this is all about and about their country," said the veteran.
More than 40 representatives of community-based organizations were special guests at the school celebration. The speakers mentioned repeatedly how much pride they felt to see the red and white symbol waving in crowds cheering for athletes at the 2010 Olympics, now underway in Vancouver.
Pictou County District RCMP Const. Matthew Perry addressed the guests wearing a symbolic red serge, saying it was an honour to be asked to participate in the patriotic event.
"All I can feel is pride," he said. The officer spoke of what it means to him to be a Canadian citizen and to serve as a reminder of the flag's symbol of integrity, honesty, compassion and love.
"That is what our country in built on," said Perry.
Speakers feel pride in the red and white
- Published on February 16, 2010
- Published on February 20, 2010
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Sherry Martell
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- Snow bird
- - February 22, 2010 at 14:31:47
This article struck a bolt into my heart. I was born in 1948 and I remember when the maple leaf was first flown as the Canadian flag. I was proud of the Union Jack, but when the red maple leaf became MY flag , I knew then I was a Canadian. I travel in the U.S. and I see their pride in their flag and being Americans. I want us Canadians to feel this way. At the same time I am not ashamed about being a part of England. The U.S. fought to separate from England and I admire that. Where as we Canadians eventually, (probably through boredom and our cost) achieved our independence. But let us look to our southern neighbour who fly their flag from their cars, their houses and etc. I love my red maple leaf flag. I am proud that Canada has chosen a symbol we can display. Let us take an example from our U.S. neighbours and show pride in ourselves, as they do. Fly our flag and be proud. It is important to remember this flag does represent honesty and peace. However, it also represents a country that watches the back of our American neighbours who go to war to maintain the safety of the North America. We don't always agree with their war, but we do watch their back.
