Two flag raisings held in Amherstburg last week

A ceremony was followed by a flag raising last Monday (June 1) at Amherstburg town hall. It was to recognize that June is Senior’s Month.

A pair of flag raisings were held in Amherstburg last week, one in recognition of Seniors Month and the other for Accessibility Week.

The first of the two flag raisings was held at Amherstburg town hall June 1, with representatives of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) Windsor-Essex Chapter and the National Association of Federal Retirees helping to bring in Seniors Month.

Mayor Michael Prue said seniors are recognized several ways in different cultures. He said an older person in the First Nations community is revered.

“They don’t make decisions without consulting the Elders first,” said Prue.

Japan also celebrates older people.

“They revere them. They consult them as well,” said Prue.

Seniors have a lot of knowledge and experience, he added, and that he hoped that everyone going forward sees the roles that older people play in society. Seniors have skills and can offer a lot to others.

Larry Duffield from CARP stated the local chapter is one of the largest in Ontario with close to 4,000 members. He said they are organizing a number of other events in the area during the month of June.

Duffield noted that senior health is important, saying seniors are living longer and represent a large demographic in the region.

A flag raising occurred at the Libro Centre last Wednesday for Accessibility Week with Amherstburg Public School student Aurora Cooper raising the flag.

Prue, joined by members of council, accessibility committee members, North Star High School and Amherstburg Public School students, those supported by Community Living Essex County and members of the public, presided over the Accessibility Week flag raising at the Libro Centre June 3.

The mayor said people were coming together to celebrate the accomplishments of council and the accessibility in the community. Accessibility is about everyone having a chance to participate, with Prue adding “we remain committed to removing barriers” in the community.

Prue added there are some that don’t believe things are being done fast enough, but noted there are budgets and items that council has to take care of as well.

“Everything we do has accessibility all over it,” he said.

Roughly 27 per cent of Canadians live with some sort of disability, Prue added.

Two flag raisings held in Amherstburg last week

By Ron Giofu