Do you believe in signs and premonitions? I do.

It was a hot, sultry evening in Atlanta. The year was 2000. During the day the temperature had climbed to an oppressive 37 C. While the world was midway through celebrating a new millennium, The Salvation Army gathered to celebrate its 135th anniversary. Thousands of Salvationists descended on Atlanta from nearly all of the 57 territories and commands for the International Millennial Congress led by General John Gowans. Every day from June 28 to July 2, Salvationists swarmed through Centennial Olympic Park on their way to the colossal, newly-opened, 18,000-seat Phillips Arena.

On this night-Thursday, June 29-anticipation was in the air as the General and Commissioner Gisèle Gowans, followed by other dignitaries, were ushered into the auditorium to the march The Canadian, flawlessly played by the Canadian Staff Band under Bandmaster Brian Burditt. While not billed as such, for all intents and purposes, it was Canada and Bermuda night at the congress. The sizeable contingent of Canadian and Bermudian delegates packed one section of the arena, directly across from where the General was seated. Armed with Canadian flags, the delegation passionately cheered whenever the Canadian Staff Band or anything else from the territory was mentioned.

Having been invited to sit with our friends, Commissioners Bill and Gwen Luttrell, we found ourselves in the middle of Canada’s Olympic-class cheering section. We were swiftly handed our own miniature flags and joined the unbridled joy of that special occasion.

We have often reflected on that extraordinary evening in Atlanta. Little did we ever think that it was a sign of things to come!

Days after returning to territorial headquarters in New York, the Canadian War Cry appeared on our desks with a featured picture of the Canadian delegates enthusiastically encouraging their compatriots participating in the congress program. And there we were-right in the middle of it all!

Seven years later, we are delighted to find ourselves back “in the middle of it all.” How pleased and honoured we are to now officially be part of the great Canada and Bermuda Territory. During the remarkable tent meeting at Jackson’s Point on July 12, when we were installed as territorial leaders with the Army flag on our left and the Canada and Bermuda flags on our right, we thought of that memorable night in Atlanta. We rejoice that now we are in truth “under three flags!”

Commissioner William W. Francis, Territorial Commander