MAYOR KATZ JOINS SALNAM PRESIDENT TO HOIST SIERRA LEONE’S NATIONAL FLAGTuesday, April 27th 2010 which marks the 49th Anniversary of Sierra Leone’s political Independence will be marked in the books of the Sierra Leone Community of Manitoba as a watershed moment. Dozens of Sierra Leoneans from all spheres of life gathered to witness the hoisting of Sierra Leone’s national flag in front of the City Hall in the city of Winnipeg.
The ceremony, which brings a great sense of value and pride to Sierra Leoneans in the province of Manitoba, was also attended by his worship, Mr. Sam Katz, the Mayor of Winnipeg to grace the occasion. Mayor Katz, on behalf of the people of Winnipeg, greeted and wished all Sierra Leoneans a happy and a wonderful anniversary celebration. He stressed the importance of the Independence of any nation and commended the people of Sierra Leone for the bold initiative they took to achieve their political freedom 49 years ago.
SALNAM’s president, Mr. Allieu Sesay, in his brief remarks, thanked the mayor for attending and for making the event a memorable one. He also thanked him for his strong and dynamic leadership by showing that Winnipeg has a leader who cares for its people irrespective of their political and economic clout. According to Mr. Sesay “This event we are celebrating is important and historic. Also, it is not only about celebration per se , nor is it only about the joy of being independent, but it is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the country’s achievements over the period and the challenges that lie ahead of us as we straddle the 21st century as a nation of proud and hardworking people.”
Mr. Sesay also added that “this has been a journey that Sierra Leoneans have sometimes travelled in different and conflicting directions dictated by changing circumstances of a prevailing moment.” He, Mr. Sesay, concluded that in spite of all the difficulties and challenges in nation building, “the people have beavered successfully over the years to build a prosperous nation based on the ideals of freedom, unity and justice.”
At the end of the speeches, Mayor Katz and Mr. Sesay assisted the Sierra Leonean community make history by hoisting Sierra Leone’s national flag, the symbol of nationhood, on the grounds of City Hall. It was a sight to behold as Sierra Leoneans present heartily sang our national anthem. It was a very proud moment for all Sierra Leoneans in Winnipeg to see their national flag hoisted for the first time on the grounds of city hall. The game has just started.
To exert maximum publicity for the event, SALNAM’s ex-president, Mr. David Mahdi Koroma, arranged for a live broadcast in Freetown via Star Radio. |
