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While Canada Day and Memorial Day are always a shared occasion in Newfoundland and Labrador, this year’s ceremonies in Corner Brook also honoured the upcoming Canada Games, as the torch relay passed through the city on Tuesday.
“I love this,” said Vernon Wells, one of the eight torchbearers in Corner Brook. “This is very special for me. I was the mascot for the ’99 Canada Games here, and it brings back a lot of memories.”
In Corner Brook, the torch made its way to the Civic Centre, which was originally built for the 1999 Canada Winter Games.
“It gives you a feeling of pride, for the community and for all of the island and rest of Canada,” said Wells. “And it just feels close to the heart.”
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Canada Games Host Society said it was a great day to be celebrating the games in Corner Brook.
Karen Sherriffs said the event in Corner Brook was just one of 15 stops on their torch relay, which kicked off late last week.
“The excitement that’s there is just so special to see, and it’s just been really overwhelming to see the support we’ve gotten,” Sherriffs said, reflecting on the torch’s journey so far from Port aux Basques.
WATCH | Corner Brook’s many July 1st festivities:
It was a Canada Day to remember in Corner Brook, Not just celebrating Canada, but also Memorial Day and a special visit with the Canada Games torch.
“A lot of positive things are happening throughout the province. I think the torch relay really signifies that,” said Premier John Hogan, who was in Corner Brook for the Canada Day flag raising ceremony. He also attended a Memorial Day event in Pasadena.
“And the fact that Memorial Day overlaps with Canada Day, I think it’s a good time to think about what we’ve contributed to Canada,” Hogan said. “Canada is lucky to have us, and we’re lucky to have Canada.”
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