Memorial Park served as the grounds for a celebration of Canadian identity, sacrifice, and spirit last Saturday.
The celebratory Canada Day Flag Raising saw a host of people make their way out to the park, as various branches of Canadian service members, local leaders, and public figures spoke before the Cenotaph.
Speaking on behalf of the City of Swift Current was Acting Deputy Mayor, Ryan Switzer.
"It's a great gathering as always," said Switzer. "Just a tip of the cap to Tourism Swift Current for doing such a great job. It's always a nice gathering here, always very meaningful, and always great to meet new Canadian families every year."
The speeches given by everyone at the event centred around their experiences and observations of life as Canadians.
For those serving in roles of leadership like Swift Current MLA, Everett Hindley, the tone was shifted to that of recognition.
"We're always so fortunate in our community to have such a large gathering of folks here at Memorial Park and people from all ages, all demographics, young, old, those who were born and raised in Canada, those who are newcomers to our community, who have chosen to come to Canada and come to Swift Current to establish their lives and their careers and their families as well," remarked Hindley. "It really is a time to reflect on some of our past successes, but also to move forward with hope for continued prosperity that's there for all of us here in our country and here in our community."
Not everyone was speaking from the platform of political office. One speaker, Nicol Dayana Mejia Castillo, was able to provide a context for those who had immigrated to Canada. She has been living as a Canadian now since the age of two and spoke to great lengths as to how life in Canada has moulded her growth and improved the lives of her family.
Another voice for those living in Canada was Rebecca Anderson, President of the Métis Local Lii Bufloo No. 35. She provided a backstory to her people's place in modern Canada and Saskatchewan, elaborating on how life is compared to when they first met the nation of Canada.
"I work at the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Center, so I get to meet and interact with all of our newest Canadians on a daily basis," said Anderson. "Look around this park, some of the people that would consider themselves Canadians, only a generation or so ago, their family would also be just coming to Canada. It's great to see a blend of diversity and inclusivity. It would be great to see a little bit more indigenous representation.
By the end of the speeches, the Canadian flag waved proudly over citizens of many backgrounds and ethnicities. All of them equal in celebration of Canada and its 156th anniversary.