More than 140 years ago, the Franco-Ontarian flag was raised for the first time in Sudbury, Ontario.
At the time, students at Laurentian University had recognized the need for a symbol uniting Franco-Ontarians. It wasn’t until 2001 that the emblem was officially recognized in Ontario.
On Tuesday, students at many of Chatham-Kent’s French schools participated in their own flag raising ceremonies to commemorate the day. Weather concerns kept the estimated 600 participants separated, but the schools quickly organized their own individual assemblies.
At Ecole Sainte-Marie, principal Danielle Francis credited the green and white gym decorations to the students.
“They did it all,” Francis said.
During the assembly, Francis thanked her faculty and the students for pulling an assembly together with short notice. Most students and teachers were also dressed head-to-toe in green and white.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope attended the Sainte-Marie flag raising and was presented with the flag by two students.
“It’s an important part of our culture. It’s our history that we were founded on,” said Hope. “All of us have a connection to the French language.”
C-K Mayor Randy Hope leads students during the "Mon Beau Drapeu" song, Sept. 25, 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)
Hope led children in audience arm waving during the “Mon Beau Drapeau” and “Notre Place” songs that were performed during the assembly. Two of Hope’s grandchildren are in classes at Sainte-Marie and ran up for hugs after he thanked the school for including him.
“There’s always a significant part of keeping culture and history and moving legacy forward,” said Hope. “It’s about an understanding of the Francophones in our community and the province of Ontario.”
“People of different nations are able to identify Chatham Kent as a place they may call home.”
The Franco-Ontarian flag is presented to C-K mayor Randy Hope. #ck #ckont pic.twitter.com/fo5iVYv0Sv
— Angelica Haggert (@AngelicaHaggert) September 25, 2018
And they sing with lyrics “mon beau drapeau.” #ck #ckont pic.twitter.com/TOBeJrhnZA
— Angelica Haggert (@AngelicaHaggert) September 25, 2018
