Join the Lord Mayor of Niagara-on-the-Lake, other members of council, members of the United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada and the general public as we raise the Loyalist flag at the Cenotaph to celebrate United Empire Loyalist Week. Enjoy the sounds of our piper from 9:45am-10am when the flag will be raised followed by remarks and more music to close out the ceremony.

This observance honours the Loyalist families whose arrival shaped the early political, agricultural, and cultural foundations of our province. Niagara and its surrounding communities played a defining role in the establishment and development of Upper Canada. Their contributions continue to be reflected in the character, institutions, and civic traditions of our region.

Flying the Loyalist Flag on June 19th publicly acknowledges this heritage and affirms the spirit of Ontario’s motto, Ut incepit fidelis sic permanet — “Loyal she began, loyal she remains.” It is a meaningful gesture that recognizes the enduring legacy of the Loyalists and their place in the story of Ontario.

The Col. John Butler (Niagara) Branch and its members have a common interest in Canadian history, with a strong focus on the United Empire Loyalists, those people who remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution and who came to Canada during and immediately following that war. These individuals and their descendants made enormous contributions to the development of the Ontario we know today.

A secondary focus is the genealogy of the Loyalists, as all descendants are eligible to use the post-nominal UE after their names. To help those who are interested in proving their Loyalist descent in order to earn a Loyalist certificate which many people frame and display proudly, the Branch has several members who have developed genealogical expertise and who are willing to direct and assist those who wish to explore their family histories.