FlickR Tag: calgary
Photos of Calgary that were originally uploaded to FlickR
Lined up for Nagar Kirtan
I hoped to get a lot of photos, but didn't get much. A positive event turned sour for me, when a parade volunteer approached me on the public sidewalk, and informed that that I was *required* to wear a head covering, had absolutely no choice, and it was a religious obligation that all must adhere to. I informed her that I would not. I feel strongly that my right to not wear a religious symbol is equal to someone else's right to wear such a symbol. For example, I think a Sikh man has every right to wear a turban anywhere in public, and nobody can ask them to remove it, even if it violates somebody else religion or culture.
Holding the Cross in Calgary
Faithful in Prayer
Silly Hat for Foolish Parade
Walking Tall in Fools Parade
Egypt and Canadian Flags Join Syrian
Supporting the Cause
Seeing things from the other side
One of the protesters was arrested by police. The crowd followed them, until they got near the police station, and at a "sidewalk closed" sign (due to construction). People were told to stay back. I couldn't shoot the protesters from in front of them, but I noticed I got a shot of front of the protesters in the police officer's sunglasses, which I thought was neat.
Arrest Leads the March
While at the Harry Hays Building (federal government offices) protesters were told to stay off the plaza area, because it was "private property". The person seen her being taken by police came back there at the end of the protest, and was arrested. However, I don't have the details of what if anything he was charged with. I think I heard him say they said there was a warrant on him.
Anonymous Guy Fawkes
Mayor and Marshalls fire it up
Stampede hug
About to Cross the Bridge
A group of Christians carried a cross and some signs over the bridge. They also had a booth setup at the event. The group actively tried to gain converts throughout the time, going up to people who probably weren't their to be told the "truth". Of course, it is their right to do so. Most just ignored them. To be fair, they weren't the only religious group. A Blackfoot Elder and spiritual leader was part of the formal ceromony, blessing the bridge.
Fiddling for the Bridge Crowd
The Bridge Dance
Couple Dance at Bridge Opening
A Dog, a Phone, and a Woman
Spiritual Leader and Veteran
A Blackfoot Elder, spiritual leader, and veteran spoke to the crowd. He blessed the new bridge. I have mixed feelings about injecting religion in an official ceremony. If a Catholic priest blessed the bridge, after speaking about his faith, I and others would probably object to mixing religion into an official government function this way. Regardless, it was appropriate to invite him to be part of the official opening as a representative of his people and as a veteran.
