This Sunday afternoon (August 25), you are invited to attend a Citizenship Ceremony for thirty-one individuals.

Fleeha Ahmad, Co-Chair of the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee, says it is an open event for anyone who wishes to join in and congratulate the new Canadain citizens. "It's an annual event for our Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee always hosts, and we take great pride in it. In previous years, it was joined in with our CommUNITY Picnic but because this year we're hosting that with Alberta Cultural Days we decided to make this a solo event."

The thirty-one individuals representing Syria, Latin America, Africa, as well as the Philippines will be sworn in, and the whole experience is quite moving, shares Ahmad. "Being a born Canadian, I didn't realize how moving it was until after the first ceremony I attended. I think sometimes we take this beautiful country for granted in a way. But when you listen to the stories, walking the path with them, and knowing the security and value they feel from that one certificate is so emotional and just a beautiful experience to be a part of."

Anyone wishing to attend should plan to arrive at the Cochrane Alliance Church between 1:45 and 2 p.m. to be seated.

Hoping to see several community members attend, Ahmad says it makes it special for those becoming new Canadians. "For the residents of Cochrane to come out and support the new citizens looks so nice and is such a welcoming gesture."

Lastly, Ahmad is grateful for the support she receives both from the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee and the Town of Cochrane. "I am so proud of our CISC committee to host this. I also appreciate the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) coming out and the Town of Cochrane for sending the dignitaries over; I look forward to it every year."