Media Advisory
Flag-Raising to Mark Acadian Anniversary
(Friday, March 5/2004)-- This year marks the 400th anniversary of the French settling in Nova Scotia and as a result, the Congrèès Mondial Acadien (Acadian World Congress) will be held here this summer.
To commemorate this important anniversary, Mayor Peter Kelly and prominent members of the local Acadian community will raise the Acadian flag in Grand Parade during a special ceremony on Monday.
This raising of the Acadian flag marks the initiation or inauguration of the Rendezvous de la Francophonie, la Semaine de la Francophonie and la Journéée Internationale de la Francophonie.( Rendezvous of the Francophonie, the Week of the Francophonie and the International Day of the Francophonie.)
The Rendezvous begins today and concludes on March 21; the Semaine de la Francophonie will run from March 7-21; and the Journéée Internationale of the Francophonie will be celebrated on March 20.
Mayor Kelly said "The raising of the Acadian flag will serve to remind HRM residents of the importance of the French influence on our province. The relationship enjoyed by the Acadians and the Anglophones of Nova Scotia is indicative of how two cultures can co-exist and, through understanding and cooperation, can be a model for others."
Acadians from around the globe will visit Nova Scotia this summer to celebrate with their friends and relatives. These visits will not only benefit HRM, but the entire province.
The Mayor said " It is our hope that these visitors will return home with the comfort and knowledge that all is well with their Acadian brothers and sisters, not only in HRM but throughout our beautiful province.
When: Monday, March 8/2004
Time: 11:30 a.m. (Reception to follow in Halifax Hall)
Place: Grand Parade, City Hall, Argyle Street, Halifax
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
