NEW CITIZENS SWORN IN AT VERDUN ELEMENTARY

The new citizens along with their families were welcomed to their new home, in a ceremony with VE students in attendance and by invited guests from the School Board and MC duties were handled by grade 6 student Shania Snow.

After opening welcoming remarks by Principal Joanne Brady-Merola and Assistant Director-General Lucie Laferriere, it was time to swear the oath of allegiance, which was then followed by the new citizens being called one at a time to receive their certificates of citizenship and other offerings as a remembrance of this day by the official receiving line.

After these proceedings, it was time for the Hon. George Springate to speak words of welcome in what turned out to be a very eloquent speech. He recalled his days of being a police officer, an Alouettes’ place-kicker during the 70’s, an MNA and at the same time on his way to getting various university degrees, saying you can reach your goals if you work for it. He also pointed out to his accompanying RCMP officer dressed in that well-known red outfit, along with that red-and-white flag as endearing symbols known the world over. He ended his speech proclaiming to the new citizens, “You Are Canadian”

The morning ended with a song by the VE choir about freedom written by the late, great Oscar Peterson and, of course, the National Anthem played by the school band both under the direction of music teacher Miss Jennifer, and then followed by a reception and some memorable picture-taking.