About 260 people were present in the morning for lunch that was offered to the Bâtiment de la Legion Royale Canada de Waterloo.
Several among them were proud to participate, despite the rain.
“This is important days like that because in Quebec, it is also important to be part of the centers like that which help Canadian identity […] We see people who appear more than before and who say to themselves that being Canadian is not a bad thing ultimately when they look at what’s going on in our southern neighbors, “explains Louise Chapdelaine, master of ceremonies and member of the Legion for 25 years.
Ms. Chapdelaine also claims to feel pride around her compared to the country.
“The people around me tended to say that they are Quebecers before saying that they are Canadian, now they say that they are both and that they are proud!”
— Louise Chapdelaine, master of ceremonies
The city of Waterloo has an important place in history, says Pierre Brien, first vice-president of the Legion.
“We are still dependent on what happened on the American side and all the loyalists came in the cantons-de-l’Est so Waterloo was founded like that. This is important for us to bring the two communities closer to Canada’s Day, “explains Mr. Brien, who has also been the organizer of the event for two years.
Activities all day
In addition to the lunch offered in the morning, activities were organized throughout the day for the pleasure of families.
Whether they are make -up for children, ball sculptures with Mario the magician or a music show with Bubba Lacroix, families were able to find their account.
“At first, we planned to block the street, like last year. This year we had inflatable games and Lady Nature was a little spoiled that, so we did not have the choice to cancel this part, “laments Mr. Brien.
Organizations were also on site such as the female auxiliary, which is a partner of the Royal Legion, the Red Cross and the Cadets of the Sûreté du Québec.
There is no shortage of citizen in the region to come and celebrate every year since moving in to Shefford.
“Most of our friends come, it is important, we need our place and our country. We have a beautiful Canada. We have been coming every year for about 10 years, ”says Sylvie Jetté proudly.
The festivities continued in the afternoon with the lifting of the flag which took place under the sun at 1 p.m. including speeches offered in both languages.
“The Legion is for the veterans and for the community and given that we are linked to the veterans who are part of the Canadian army, say that on Canada’s day it is very important,” said Leonard Crowley, president of the Legion 077 Shefford, located in Waterloo.
And finally, a hot dog dinner was also on the menu from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
“It was a great success despite everything. This morning, it left quietly, but we are happy, ”said in conclusion Mr. Brien.
Besides, for Lac-Brome and Knowlton, the celebrations took place at the Parc des Lions on June 29.
On the Cowansville side, the festivities took place on Monday evening at the center of nature from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Shows, lifting of the flag and fireworks were also there.
