The boom of cannons and the beating of drums will roll across Citadel Hill on Monday, Aug. 4, as 250 cadets perform the historical Ceremony of the Flags.

The event, presented by Democracy 250 to celebrate the birth of democracy in Canada, is open to the public and begins at 7 p.m.

"The Ceremony of the Flags is an opportunity for all of us to take pause and pay tribute to the many freedoms we enjoy today as a democratic society and to witness the pageantry of a group of fine young Canadians hailing from communities across the country," said John Hamm, Democracy 250 co-chair.  "I invite everyone to join us for an evening that is sure to be a memorable and moving experience."

Dave Kopperson, vice-president Atlantic Canada for presenting sponsor EnCana Corporation, says democracy is worth celebrating.

"As we reflect on the core values that make Nova Scotia and Canada such wonderful places to live, we are proud to sponsor this celebration," said Mr. Kopperson. "It truly is a wonderful way to help mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of parliamentary democracy in Canada."

With the support of the Canadian Cadet Organizations and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, the event includes the Ceremony of the Flags performed by the cadets of HMCS Acadia Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre, military bands, historic animators and cannon fire. It will conclude with the lowering of the Canadian flag at sunset.

The tradition of the Ceremony of the Flags dates back several centuries to a time when townspeople grew crops and grazed cattle outside the town walls. Each day at sunset a horn or trumpet call was made to warn people to return to safety in the town and to signal the mustering and posting of guards for night watches. The night guard's muskets were fired and reloaded to ensure the powder was fresh and weapons were ready.

It is fitting to have 250 cadets perform the Ceremony of the Flags, one for each year since the birth of democracy in Nova Scotia.

HMCS Acadia, in Cornwallis Park, Annapolis Co., is the largest Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre in Canada. This summer, cadets from across the country are taking part in music, sailing, outdoor adventure and seamanship programs at the training centre. Through participation in the program, young people develop valuable life skills in teamwork, citizenship, leadership and physical fitness while having fun and meeting new friends.

Cmdr. Nancy Chisholm, HMCS Acadia's commanding officer, said youth are an important aspect of Democracy 250 events.

"We are very pleased to support Democracy 250 and all its celebrations," said Ms. Chisholm. "By including our youth, we are helping to secure a successful future for all Canadians while ensuring our proud history is not forgotten." 

The event is free, but donations to Feed Nova Scotia are welcome. People might want to bring a chair.

To learn more about the birth of democracy in Canada and the celebrations commemorating the Nova Scotia first, visit www.democracy250.ca. For more information on HMCS Acadia cadets and the historical significance of the Ceremony of the Flags, visit www.cadets.net/atl/acadia/intro_e.asp .

EnCana is a leading North American unconventional natural gas and integrated oil company. In Nova Scotia, EnCana is developing the Deep Panuke offshore natural gas project. For more information, go to www.encana.com .

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