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Remembrance is perpetual

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Jason Pankratz - Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153

Thank you to all who supported the Legion, the town and our Veterans by being part of our November 11th Remembrance Day cenotaph ceremony and our dinner later that evening. Many have commented on the great number of people who participated in, as well as watched, our Tillsonburg Remembrance Day ceremonies.

Don Burton and his team did a fantastic job at organizing and delivering the cenotaph service. Thank you to Oxford Reformed Christian School who sang at the cenotaph; it was a pleasure having you share your talents with us. It is always interesting to recognize the service clubs and organizations that lay wreaths too. Thank you to the Veterans of all ages who are our link to history, sacrifice and service. Tillsonburg does Remembrance well!

Next time you are downtown, take a look at the back side of the cenotaph. Thanks to the Rotary Club, Frank Moore, Laurel Beechey, Jerry Turner and Bob Marsden, you can read the names of those from Tillsonburg who were killed in action during WWI and WWII. It is to be noted that this plaque is dedicated to the memory of Flight Officer and Rotarian Jim Sergeant who served as a navigator in WWII. This is an important historical installation for our town and for the family of Mr. Sergeant.

Our guest speaker at the Legion Remembrance Day dinner was Captain Terry Wong. He is a helicopter pilot for the Canadian Forces, a candidate for the Canadian aerospace program, and served in Afghanistan. Captain Wong’s message was thoughtful, emotional and appropriate. He spoke about the importance of Remembrance, as a veteran, as a historian and as a Canadian.

We were also graced by the company of veterans from many areas of service that evening. In particular, some of our Second World War Veterans were in attendance; Comrades Robert Cross, Kay Tully and Leighton Ronson among others and their guests.

It was also really good to see the President of the Tillsonburg Military History Club, Justin Carpani. Justin had the honour of presenting Captain Wong with a keepsake of appreciation from the Military History Club and the Legion.

Legion members were given many accolades for the day and for what we do for Remembrance. Remembrance is perpetual. Look around our community for monuments, symbols and icons of Remembrance. You’ll notice that our town is full of them.

And, again, the Legion is relevant. We have an exceptional town with exceptional people who keep the memory of the past, their loved ones and history in general, alive and well. Continue to search out history and you will find it everywhere.

Last but not least, don’t forget the offerings that the Legion provides. Call the office to book the hall or canteen for your business or personal holiday party! This Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Legion is hosting a craft and vendor sale. Come in and get some early Christmas gifts, all while supporting our Legion!

Don’t miss the turkey dinner prepared by Betty Davies and the Ladies Auxiliary on Friday, Nov. 27. That night we are also treated to a great dance with live music by Back to the 50’s. Get the dinner and dance package for $20. It promises to be a great dinner, fantastic music and a big crowd! Get the holiday season started right!

Thank you again to our whole community for supporting the Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day ceremonies. Some may say that this article has been all about name dropping. But without specific people mentioned and many who were not, significant events would not happen. Thank you to you all for the positive difference and effort you make.

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