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Americans living near the Canada-U.S. border to hold 'Elbows Up for Canada' rally
In an act of solidarity toward their northern neighbours, some Upstate New York residents are organizing an 'Elbows Up for Canada' rally.
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Residents who live near the Canada-U.S. border have organized this movement in an attempt to strengthen ties with Canadians. The event will take place on July 5.
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Dubbed the 'Friendship Flotilla,' it will see the Americans taking part boating along the St. Lawrence River with Canadian and American flags, as well as signs showing their support for Canada.
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'Every day we look across the St. Lawrence River and we see friends, family members, and business partners,' said Eileen Jarrett, one of the organizers of the rally. 'We hope this rally will remind everyone of our friendship.'
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Rally-goers will then head to Morrisette Park – those with boats will take the Friendship Flotilla across the St. Lawrence River from the Ogdensburg Marina to Fort Wellington in Prescott, and those without boats will stay at the park and wave across.
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The boaters will then split and head to both Brockville and Morrisburg to bring the flotilla to the other major Canadian border towns in the area.
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Organizers of the event are encouraging residents of Prescott to gather on the Heritage River Trail walking path at 2 p.m. to see the flotilla and greet the rally-goers.
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This movement aims to show Canadians that not all Americans agree with President Donald Trump's threats against Canada's sovereignty, and many want to extend an olive branch to their neighbours across the river.
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'Our countries share family ties, with many dual citizens and cross-border families, along with shared values of democracy, diversity, and human rights,' said Jarrett. 'Organizers emphasize that the movement is positive, focused on celebrating what unites rather than protesting what divides. The rallies aim to demonstrate the grassroots support for continued U.S.-Canada co-operation across economic, environmental, and security issues.'
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Jarrett hopes that a number of North Country residents will come and join the movement, although she is unsure of the number of people who will take part in the rally.
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Even though this event begins at City Hall, Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley says the city itself is not directly involved.
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'This is not a city-sponsored event and there's no official role for the city to participate in this,' said Tooley. 'But I've spoken with the mayors of Brockville and Prescott and we all agreed to support the concept of supporting friendships between our citizens.'
