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Acadian
Flag Raising In Boston: Article By Joan Vermette
July 28, 2005 Acadian pride was very much
in evidence on Thursday, July 28th 2005 when the Acadian
flag was raised over Boston City Hall Plaza. The occasion
was the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary o the date
when the order was signed by the Governors of Nova Scotia
and the Massachusetts Colonies to deport over 10,000
French-Acadians from their homes in parts of present day
nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This order caused the
Acadians to be forcibly removed from their farms and
villages. Family members were separated from one another,
and homes and farms burned so that the occupants could not
return. Many of those deported never found their loved ones,
even after searching their entire lives. The deportees were loaded onto overcrowded ships and sent to distant ports along the coast of the British colonies, Saint Domingue (Haiti) and even the Falkland Islands. Others were sent to England and France. A few thousand died either of pestilence or drowning during their forced voyages. Many were taken prisoner or indentured as servants. In the English colonies at that time, there was little respect for French Catholics, so many families were left to beg in the towns to which they were deported. The event on Boston City Hall Plaza was not only a commemoration of this important date in Acadian history, but also a celebration of the resilience and fortitude of the Acadian spirit that lives on in the descendants of those who lived and died during the deportation or "Grand Derangement",. The significance of the event being held in Boston was not lost on the participants. Massachusetts played a significant role in the deportation since Governor William Shirley of Massachusetts and Lt. Colonel John Windlow, Commander of the New England regiment responsible for the deportation of the Acadians from Grand Pre, both were key participants in the tragedy. In addition, Boston Harbor was one of the destinations for the deportees. Over 100 people gathered on Boston City Hall Plaza to participate in the ceremony. Many could be identified by the small Acadian flags what they waved. Several special guests were present: The first Acadian Mayor of Waltham Massachusetts, jeannette McCarthy; Larissa Blavatska, Consul of Political and Public Affairs and Marc A. Jacques, Academic and Cultural Affairs Officer, both from the Candadian Consulate General's Office in Boston. In addition, representatives of the Commonwealth Museum located in Boston, were present: Stephen Keeny, PH.D, Director; Carol Lavoie, Development and Mark Vassar, curator of the current exhibition on display at the museum on the Acadian Deportation. The ceremony Began with the singing of the Canadian and United States National Anthems. This was followed by the stirring rendition of Zachary Richard's song "Réveile" performed by Joan and David Vermette. Opening remarks were given by Bruce Caissie, President of the Acadian Cultural Society. Father Laurie Leger, of St. Joseph's Parish in Fitchburg, Massachusetts delivered the Benediction. The Acting Canadian Consulate General, Michel Tetu, brought greetings from Canada and reflected on the meaning of the day. State Representative Emile Goguen of Fitchburg read a proclamation from Massachusetts Governor Romney commemorating the day. The keynote address was given by Lucie LeBlanc Consentino of Methuen, Massachusetts who is an Acadian historian and genealogist. The title of her address was "Acadia: Our History, Our Spirit". She encapsulated the tragic events of 250 years ago, and reelected on the spirit and character of the Acadians of that day and today which was, and is, responsible for carrying on the traditions of the Acadian people. Following the keynote address, Doris leger recounted the story of how the Acadian flag came to be, and how the hymn "Ave Maris Stella" (Hail, Star of the Sea) was adopted as the Acadian Anthem. The Acadian flag is the tricolor French flag (blue, white and red) vertical stripes), but with one yellow/gold star in the blue stripe. The star symbolizes the Virgin Mary, Star of the Sea, who is the patroness of the Acadian people. The hymn, "Ave Maris Stella" is a traditional Catholic hymn which has been sung in churches and Acadian homes for many generations. Ms. Leger ended her comments by reading a poem by Dennis Boudreau, past President of the Acadian Cultural Society. Following the reading, Bruce Caissie hoisted the Acadian flag above Boston City Hall Plaza as a recording of "Ave Maris Stella" as sung by Lena Boudreau was played. The audience joined in as tears of joy and pride flowed freely at the significance of the occasion. Additional songs performed by Joan and David Vermette during the ceremony were; "Viens Voir l' Acadie" and "Evangeline". Their music truly enhanced the program. The event was sponsored by the Acadian Cultural Society., based in Fitchburg Massachusetts. The Society. is devoted to maintaining and preserving Acadian history and traditions.
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