Democracy celebration at legion

The Royal Canadian Legion Mersey Branch #38 in Liverpool is appropriate as both a celebratory venue and a symbol of democracy, says Queens MLA Vicki Conrad.

As part of Democracy 250, she explains, $3,000 was handed out to each riding for distribution by the MLA’s office. She gave the Royal Canadian Legion Mersey Branch $1,500 to host a “Celebrating Democracy In Our Community” event 12-to-2 p.m. May 17.

She adds $500 bursaries will also be provided to graduating students from Liverpool Regional High School, North Queens Rural High School and Queens Adult High School.

Democracy 250 is a provincial celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of parliamentary democracy in Canada, “a proud first for Nova Scotia,” according to government literature.

Conrad says, “The legion deserves to be recognized for the important role of veterans in giving us our freedom and the freedom to participate in democracy.” In addition, she says the legion’s service to the community and democracy in general is ongoing and the organization is “a place to call home” for future veterans, young people serving in the military today. “It’s about our vets,” she says.

During the event, which is open to the public, Democracy 250 medals will be awarded to 10 citizens living in the riding, “for their contributions to the community and to recognize them for their citizenship in their communities,” Conrad says. Food and refreshments will also be included.

Conrad says she believes in this process. “It’s about celebrating democracy and raising awareness about getting people involved in the democratic process.” Examples include involvement in debating issues as they arise and, of course, elections.

She adds one huge example of this need involves youth, who turn out for elections in low numbers. “I’m really hoping youth will come out and participate.”

She says part of the problem can be blamed on how politicians sometimes act. “We need to change the old style of politics.”

Legion President, Scottie Rodger says members are also planning to refurbish or improve Cenotaphs in Port Mouton and Brooklyn as a “legacy.” In Brooklyn, for example, he says, there is no ground area needed for wreaths and crosses, which tend to quickly blow away each Remembrance Day. This will be rectified. They hope to access some legacy funds as well for projects such as these.