Canadians stand proud even under the clouds (photos)

Ursina Rusch tells her family's journey from Switzerland.

The cloudy day didn’t dampen the patriotic hearts of North Bay residents Sunday, as friends and family gathered at the North Bay waterfront to celebrate Canada’s 140th birthday.

The day was full of activities and events put on by a number of local community groups. Family and friends had the opportunity to ride carousels or take train rides during the festive day. Kidsport had what they called a ‘Fun Zone’ where kids got the chance to participate in various activities such as: Ball Hockey, Tug of War, Ringette, Tennis, Dunk Tank and many others.

The Kiwanis Bandshell played host to a reaffirmation of Canadian citizenship ceremony where MPP Monique Smith read aloud the Oath of Citizenship.

This is the 60th year of Canadian Citizenship.

Before the reaffirmation ceremony, Ursina Rusch, who was born and raised in Switzerland, shared her family’s journey to Canada.

“Moving was not easy for my family or for me. Anybody who has made the leap will tell you it’s well worth it,” Rusch said.

“Getting here to Canada is only one part of an immigrant’s story. The other parts unfold when we get here. When we get a chance to grow and adapt and appreciate the country you learn to love and live in.”

Since moving from Switzerland, Rusch has lived in Powassan with her family. They have lived there for six years. During her speech she reminisced about her first day at school.

“My English vocabulary was very limited and the first day of school was nerve racking. I learned soon that despite my limited English vocabulary my teachers and peers were there to help me,” she said.

“I remember being mobbed during recesses by students who peppered me with questions about where I was from,” she laughed.

Rusch explained how Canada was a multi cultural country where people from all over the world got the chance to work together, learn about one another, pool their knowledge and build a country. She believes that this is where the future of the county lies.

“At the end of my first day at school I had five students escorting me to the school bus to help me make sure I boarded the right bus back home. That still intrigues and inspires me to this day, how open and helpful Canadians are,” Rusch said.

“I have been privileged to learn from all of you.”

To celebrate Canada’s 140th birthday and the 60th anniversary of Canadian citizenship, the North Bay Canada Day Committee initiated a school wide poster challenge. The theme for the first annual Canada Day poster challenge was 'A Portrait of Canada'

Jack Daley, a student from St. Gregory in Powassan, won the poster challenge with his artistic rendition of the CN Tower and various other colourful designs.

“My teacher says because I keep doodling in class on paper this is a reward for my doodles,” Daley laughed.

Daley won a tee shirt that says ‘Everyone Loves a Canadian Boy’. He said he was going to wear it to the festivities but he lost it.