Fireworks, activities, citizenship ceremonies and more helped Amherstburg residents and visitors celebrate Canada's 157th birthday.
A full day of Canada Day celebrations took place Monday, starting with the Canada Day Run/Walk in the morning. It was followed by a chance for children to see fire trucks, police cars, military vehicles and public works vehicles. There was dancing from the Rivertown Dance Academy, a show from the Border City Barkers, food and drink vendors, concerts from the Adam Butcher Band and Buck Twenty, Fort Malden programming and more. Entertainment was spread between Fort Malden National Historic Site, Toddy Jones Park and King's Navy Yard Park.
At the opening ceremonies in King's Navy Yard Park, Mayor Michael Prue noted the Department of Canadian Heritage and James H. Sutton Funeral Home put funding towards the town's festivities. Prue said Canada Day is an opportunity to reflect and remember what it means to be a Canadian.
Prue, flanked by the majority of town council members, noted the country's Indigenous roots and that people who came to Canada from other countries were greeted by the people already here. He said people have been coming here for centuries in search of a better life. He added the Navy Yard Park extension on the former Duffy's Tavern and Motor Inn site will be dedicated to Indigenous Peoples, such as the Three Fires Confederacy.
Canada shows its strength and resilience through its diversity and culture, Prue added, with people being equal regardless of their race, religion or who they love.
Prue referenced the citizenship ceremony that was also in Navy Yard Park held earlier in the day Monday. He said 25 citizens from around the world - including people from Iraq, Haiti and the Philippines among other countries – came to Canada in search of a better life.
“It was a very moving exercise,” he said.
Prue stated at the citizenship ceremony that people came to Canada in search of freedom, noting the Underground Railroad as an example.
“You worked hard to arrive here and that is a part of your journey,” Prue told the new Canadians and their families. “I am delighted that you are here.”
Canada is their new home, he added, and welcomed them to Amherstburg and Canada.
“This day will be one you will remember forever,” said Prue.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi said the new Canadians made a choice to become citizens. He said there are rights and responsibilities they now have. They can live together to achieve a better life and said one of the responsibilities is to respect each other regardless of where they came from.
“Watching you take the oath was inspirational to me,” said Leardi.
Essex MP Chris Lewis pointed out Essex County and Windsor is the fourth most ethnically diverse region in Canada. He welcomed the new Canadians and believed it was wonderful they were taking the oath in Amherstburg.
“I am proud of you,” said Lewis. “I am certainly smiling with you.”
Knowledge keeper Dr. Mona Stonefish told the immigrants “this is a wonderful place for a family to live, grow and learn together.” Citizenship officer Louay El-Chami welcomed the new Canadians but becoming citizens carries responsibilities as well. She said they are welcome to pursue political office and get involved in Canadian society in many other ways.
Canada's 157th birthday celebrated in Amherstburg
By Ron Giofu
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