Friday, September 25, was Franco-Ontarian Day (Journée Franco-ontarien) and celebrations in honour of the occasion were held in several communities across the region.
In Vankleek Hill, students wearing green and white from École élémentaire catholique Saint-Grégoire walked around town carrying Franco-Ontarian flags in celebration.
In Hawkesbury, students from the town’s French-language Catholic and public schools gathered with other citizens at the Monument de la francophonie in Confederation Park to pay homage to the Franco-Ontarian Flag, celebrate the significance of the French language, and to celebrate francophone culture in Ontario.
Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre told the audience it was a day of vibrant celebration to honour tradition and solidarity.
“The flag affirms we are here always,” said Gilles Trahan of the Hawkesbury Monument de la francophonie Committee.
“French is our culture, it is our music,” remarked Nicole Lafrenière-Davis, a Director of the Association canadienne française de l’Ontario (ACFO) de Prescott et Russell.
Photos: Gabriel Landriault
Photos: James Morgan
