The Wood Buffalo Regional Library (WBRL) has received a very special gift, the East Block Flag from Parliament Hill that was flying on May 3rd thanks to members of our community.
Judy and Gerald Ramsey had originally requested the Peace Flag that was flying on Parliament Hill the week of May 3rd.
“20-25 years ago, when Paul Martin’s father died, Gerald actually heard that you could apply to get the flag from the Peace Tower in Ottawa, if it was like a special occasion… And he never had a second thought for another 25 years,” Said Judy Ramsey.
That was until the wildfire tore through our community.
Unfortunately the Peace Tower Flag had already been spoken for, but they were able to receive the East Block Flag from the week of May 3rd.
The waiting period for an East or West Block flag is usually 40 years, the Ramsey’s were able to receive the flag in a little over a month.
“We decided in the mean-time that we wanted to give it to somebody, so we decided on Mac Island and we narrowed it down to the library and they were thrilled,” said Ramsey.
The flag will fly from the second floor of the library down over the stone elevator shaft. You would pass by this going up the stairs to the second floor.
Any Canadian resident can add their name to the waiting list for a Canadian flag that has been flown on Parliament Hill.
