The Union Jack
flies over Montgomery´s Inn, Etobicoke's Museum
thanks to the Etobicoke Historical Society's donation

On Sunday, November 7, 1999 at 2.00 pm a large gathering attended  Montgomery's Inn,
where they were greeted by a warm fire burning in one of the many fireplaces of the Inn.

Ernest Buchner, Heritage Officer for Etobicoke, invited all attending to accompany him
out to the area of the flagpole.

Mr. Buchner welcomed everyone and gave an overview of the Flag Raising Ceremony.

As President of the Etobicoke Historical Society I had the honour of presenting the new Union Jack to Earl Jarvis, Etobicoke Historical Board, who in turn gave the flag to Mr. Buchner and accompanied by Jim Hamilton raised the flag to a place of honour atop the new flag pole.

After a warm welcome by Mr. Earl Jarvis, I spoke on behalf of the Society.

"The Etobicoke Historical Society is pleased to be able to donate the funds for this flagpole
and the flag as a symbol of our continuing support for Montgomery's Inn.

We are equally proud of our long standing relationship with Etobicoke's Museum since
it was the Society's members which recognized the potential of making a seemingly derelict building into a heritage centre for Etobicoke some 30 years ago.

The Society began the work of preserving this building
and we have continued to play a significant role in its life ever since.

If the Inn is to continue to be successful we need to make more people aware of its existence
and to work together with both the Etobicoke Historical Board and staff.
 

Today's celebration of the installation of the flagpole and of Thomas' flag
is just the latest example of this work.

We believe that the flag will draw attention to the Inn and hopefully draw
those people who drive by every day into investigating and enjoying the Inn."

The following is James Hamilton's speech at the dedication ceremony of the raising
of the Union Jack over Montgomery's Inn.

I would like at this time to personally thank Ernest Buckner the Heritage Coordinator
of Montgomery's Inn, the Official Museum of Etobicoke.
 
I want to thank Nicholas Doran and the Etobicoke Historical Society Directors.
 
My thanks go out to the members of the Etobicoke Historical Society
and the Etobicoke Historical Board.
 
To the fine Canadian Soldiers that are present here today representing
the Royal Regiment of Canada at our famous Fort York,
where Toronto was born two hundred years ago. 

These men are well trained military professionals placing the Canada
and Commonwealth military at the excellence level of the modern British Army of today.
 
Thomas Montgomery was an Officer in the British Militia here in Upper Canada.
 
This flag raising event would have made Thomas Montgomery very proud. 
 
This flag here at Montgomery's Inn was Thomas's Heritage Flag.
 
I believe this event today will be the beginning that will make Etobicoke stand out as one
of the best and finest communities in all of Canada.
 
We are showing others that Etobicoke Citizens are proud of their local History
and want to learn more about Etobicoke's Historic roots.
 
I want Canadians from all over Canada to come and see Montgomery's Inn,
the Museum of Etobicoke, built in 1830. 

I also want to see our United States neighbours and people from the United Kingdom and the whole world
come and discover Montgomery's Inn and Thomas's Flag.
 
Did you know that today the British peoples interest in preserving
and saving old historical buildings is paying off?

Today the tourism industry of the United Kingdom is a 80 billion dollar industry every year.
I want the people of Etobicoke, both politicians and good citizens
to turn over a new leaf today and do everything possible
to save and restore all the remaining historical buildings in Etobicoke.

These buildings are our last remaining links to our past.

Our children in Etobicoke will be proud we are preserving Etobicoke's historic buildings
because they truly care about the History of Etobicoke. 
 
It is my belief we will be preserving a little bit of yesterdays
Etobicoke for the children of tomorrow.  Thank You.

Following James Hamilton's remarks all retired to the Inn for hot tea,
coffee and cider with cake and cheese.