This page was exported from Shelburne Free Press [ https://shelburnefreepress.ca ] Export date:Tue Jul 23 17:31:42 2024 / +0000 GMT ___________________________________________________ Title: Canada Day celebrations draw large crowd --------------------------------------------------- The sunshine of July 1st drew larger than normal crowds to Centre Dufferin Recreation Centre for opening ceremonies and an afternoon of Canada Day celebrations. Dignitaries at the opening included Mayor Ed Crewson, MPP Sylvia Jones, and MP David Tilson. The ceremonies began with the Town of Shelburne Chief Administrative Officer John Telfer, who welcomed citizens to 147 years of “celebrating and sharing the traditions of Canada.” Mr. Telfer also thanked the Canada Day Committee for their collective effort in bringing the day together for everyone to enjoy. The 2014 committee included Greg Holmes of Holmes Appliances and Music Store, Councillor Tom Egan from the Kinsmen, Ed Walsh, Special Events Co-ordinator Shawnette Crouse, Mayor Ed Crewson, and CAO John Telfer. The CAO thanked Shawnette Crouse, in particular, for her “leadership and direction.” MP David Tilson welcomed the crowd to join in the celebrations knowing that from coast to coast Canadians were “gathering to celebrate the birth of our great country.” He spoke of Canada as a country “committed to peace and good government… known around the world as strong and free.” He recounted the celebrations of June 14th when Shelburne celebrated its 150th Anniversary with the unveiling of the William Jelly statue. “Canada Day,” he said, “is an opportunity to continue the celebrations of the great town of Shelburne of which we are so proud.” MP Tilson spoke in length of the sacrifices of our men and women in arms, the marking of the 70th anniversary of D-Day and the WWII storming of the beaches of Normandy, as well as the important role our troops played in WWI, advancing, not only the war effort, but Canada's place on the world stage. He presented two Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) students, Rebecca Janke and Jeff Allen, both in grade 11, with a commemorative copy of his statement in the House of Commons honouring their participation as youth ambassadors at the 2014 Juno Beach memorial services. CDDHS history teacher Neil Orford received the Governor General's History award earlier this year for his leadership in the CDDHS Battlefield Tours since 2008. Newly re-elected Conservative Member of Parliament Sylvia Jones gave a brief statement of welcome to the crowd participating in the day of celebration at the CDDRC. Mayor Ed Crewson reminded the crowd, that not all parts of Canada considered July 1st a day of celebration 147 years ago, with papers, such as The Halifax Chronicle, reporting Confederation like a death to Nova Scotia. It was due to the heroic efforts of John A. MacDonald, who “manipulated Canada into existence against the wishes of many,” said Mayor Crewson, that we are a country today. He noted that Prime Minister MacDonald spent his life “building a nation at the expense of his health and family,” and asked that MPP David Tilson make a motion in parliament to declare a national day in MacDonald's honour. Opening celebrations came to a close as the CAO brought greetings and thanks from former Lieutenant Governor, David Onley to the 164th Squadron for their participation in the 150th Anniversary celebrations for the Town of Shelburne. The Squadron raised the Canadian flag after it was blessed by Reverend Gordon Horsley of Abiding Place Ministries in Shelburne, “Keep us free and safe.” Bless us so that we may bless others all over the world.” By Marni Walsh --------------------------------------------------- Images: --------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------- Post date: 2014-07-02 14:22:34 Post date GMT: 2014-07-02 18:22:34 Post modified date: 2014-07-10 08:23:03 Post modified date GMT: 2014-07-10 12:23:03 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Export of Post and Page as text file has been powered by [ Universal Post Manager ] plugin from www.gconverters.com