UPPER NAPPAN - Frank Kingston can still recall the Canada flag flying in the air the day he told his father he wanted to become an officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
"I remember the centennial train coming through Chatham, N.B., in 1967 when I was just a young boy. I remember being there with my dad and seeing two RCMP officers and the Canadian flag," Cumberland District RCMP Staff Sgt. Kingston told a small crowd gathered at the municipal office Monday for a Flag Day celebration.
"I remember the symbolization of the flag, and it's something we all should be proud of.
"Anywhere where the flag is raised, especially when I'm in my (RCMP) dress, I still get chills in my body."
Kingston was the last to speak at the celebration just after lunch, a ceremony lead by Cumberland County's deputy warden Ernest Gilbert.
Cumberland South MLA Murray Scott told those gathered he was proud to be Canadian, and proud to have raised his children as Canadians.
"Anyone that has traveled outside of Canada can tell you that anytime they meet someone and tell them they're from Canada, their eyes light up," Scott said. "Canada is thought so well of throughout the world."
Both Springhill mayor Allen Dill and Town of Amherst deputy mayor Terry Rhindress spoke of the Winter Olympics Canada is playing host to in Vancouver at present.
"There is an honour every time I see that flag go up," said Dill.
Thinking back to his school days, Dill said he can still remember singing the national anthem in front of the flag.
"There's still merit to that, and for those that are new here, especially in Nova Scotia, it's a sense of belonging," he said.
Having gone to Whistler, B.C., a year ago, Rhindress said he's happy he was able to have a chance to see the preparations that had been going on at the time for the Olympics.
"Last night when Canada won its first gold at the Olympics while at home, you could just feel it," he said of the sense of pride.
"And every time I sing O Canada it feels like I'm facing off at centre ice and doing my absolute best."
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