The City of Thorold Pipe Band led a procession of veterans, Thorold Legion members, military and government officials, firefighters, and cadets down Front Street Sunday, landing at the Battle of Beaverdams Park as the first part of annual Decoration Day festivities.
As they do every year, members of the Legion 105 from the town of Northeast, Pennsylvania visited Thorold to lay wreaths at the park’s memorial for American soldiers who died in the War of 1812.
Reverend Canon Kathy Morgan prayed for “those who fell in battle,” then the procession marched up Clairmont Street and turned down Chapel Street, before filing into Memorial Park to conclude the ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of veterans, Thorold Legion President Eric Cuthbert explained the origins of Decoration Day, saying, “We honour them by decorating their gravesites and cenotaphs, such as we are at today, to let them know they won’t be forgotten.”
Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey urged all who attended to “Take a few minutes to reflect and think why we have what we have, and why future generations will have what they have.” He then thanked the Thorold Legion, Branch 17, “for helping us remember.”
“The men and women who gave their lives for this country are indisputable heroes,” said Thorold’s regional councillor, Tim Whalen. Appearing also on behalf of the province of Ontario for Jeff Burch, Whalen continued, “We should reflect every day on what their sacrifices have done for us.”
In their honour, “One thing we can do,” suggested Mayor Terry Ugulini, “is give back to our communities. Make an impact and leave a legacy—just like they did—on their behalf.”
“This is a beautiful June afternoon,” said Rev. Morgan, describing nature’s beauty in the park, “but we have gathered with a much higher purpose, because we have been given a privilege and an opportunity that many others have not—those whose stories have been lost in time; whose families have been scattered.”
Referring to the cenotaph, which names local men and women casualties, “We are continuing to add names to that list,” she said. She urged attendees to “Look at those names; they are not just words.”
Several organizations laid wreaths at the cenotaph, then Cuthbert invited everyone back to the Thorold Legion for camaraderie and refreshments.
To mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day this June 6, Cuthbert said students from Niagara College’s teaching brewery created “a special run of beer based on a recipe from the end of the war,” which is now available at the Legion, located at 3 Ormond Street, for a limited time.