What does this symbol mean ?

[Pirate]

I do understand this code but I'm asking about this special symbol , what does it mean for SQL ?@ lol

cmd.CommandText = "INSERT INTO myTable (Name, RegisteredDate, CancelDate) " & _
    "VALUES (@Name, @RegisteredDate, @CancelDate)"
cmd.Parameters.Add("@Name", "Doug Seven")
cmd.Parameters.Add("@RegisteredDate", DateTime.Today)
'Use System.DBNull.Value to leave the field uninitialized
cmd.Parameters.Add("@CancelDate", System.DBNull.Value)