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Celebrating French-Canadian culture

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For the fifth year in a row here in Pembroke, Riverside Park was a sea of green and white, Sept. 25, as hundreds came together to celebrate French-Canadian culture and the official inauguration of the Franco-Ontarian flag.

Four years ago, the day was officially designated by the provincial government on the 35th anniversary of the raising of the brand-new Franco-Ontarian flag in Sudbury, Ont. in 1975.

Here in the City of Pembroke, the Francophone community celebrates with the Franco-Ontarian flag flying high above city hall for the day and a special gathering at the park, which includes all French students, from Grades 3 to 12.

Community members, families and friends, whether they speak English or French were also invited, Sylvie Trudel, president of the Societe Saint-Jean Baptiste said.

Trudel organizes activities and festivities for the day each year.

“We’re trying to make this a community tradition,” she said. “It’s something we’ve been trying really hard to expand,” Trudel added.

It was nice to see more numbers this year, and even more people and students sporting the Franco-Ontarian colours, green and white, on that note, the president admitted.

This year’s theme for the Franco-Ontarian Day was celebrating people in their communities, involved in their communities, people like Norm Carriere, for example.

He flies the Franco-Ontarian flag outside his business, NAPA Auto Parts, 365 days a year, Trudel said.

Carriere was one of the events’ dignitaries Sept. 25, alongside others like Pembroke Mayor Ed Jacyno. Both spoke to the importance of celebrating one’s culture Thursday.

“It’s a symbolic day for us,” Trudel added. “This day for us, celebrates our presence in the community. It’s about being visible.”

The president went on to explain, for many Francophones, it’s about being proud of where one comes from too.

“We get to tell everyone and one another, we’re here and not alone on Franco-Ontarian Day,” Trudel said. That’s what so great about it, she added.

Traditional Francophone songs, games, a little Birthday cake, as well as a community-wide picnic were also a part of the festivities at Riverside Park Thursday.

Sarah Hyatt is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist.

 

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