2021 Remembrance Day Section - Wellington Advertiser

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BY JORDAN SNOBELEN

FERGUS - The annual Royal Canadian Legion poppy campaign kicked off on Oct. 29, marking the 100th anniversary of the poppy.

This year, new poppy boxes accepting wireless payments are being rolled out to branches within the county.

Fergus branch president Randy Graham said the wireless payment option is motivated by the pandemic and an increasingly cashless society – an issue of particular import for a campaign historically supported by pocket change.

The “tappable” poppy box debuted on Oct. 29 during the Fergus branch’s “fun night” and has since been relocated to Zehrs. Shoppers wishing to support veterans services with the purchase of a poppy can simply use their NFC-enabled smartphone or a tappable bank card to contribute $2, $5 or $10.

The box will also appear at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex on Nov. 6 for the Grand River Mustangs Remembrance Day Classic hockey tournament.

Graham was the first donor to use the tappable payment box and said the Legion receives 100% of proceeds with no fees deducted for payment processing.

Funds are held in trust for Dominion and Ontario Commands to be spent only with approval from

on high.

“It is not our money to spend without approval and it’s basically for the support of veterans, their families” – covering everything from funeral expenses to hearing aids – as well as youth projects like the Legion’s poster and literary contests, Graham explained during a visit to the Advertiser’s office.

Poppy funds are also donated to the Veterans Care Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care Parkwood Institute and another program at Sunnybrook Hospital.

In the last two to three years, Graham figures the community has donated $40,000 toward the poppy fund through the purchase of poppies, wreath sponsorships and sizeable company donations.

“The generosity of people over the last two years has been incredible … more generous than they have [been] in the past,” Graham remarked.

Each year the branch orders upwards of 25,000 poppies.

“We have probably one of the better funds,” Graham said of the Fergus branch, owing to the generosity of the community, strong support for the poppy and demand for upwards of 80 wreaths each year.

But the largest draw of funds for the campaign comes from those passing by Legion members or Canadian Forces cadets (who will be making a return this year) canvassing at store

entrances.

Graham said one of the “great pleasures” of canvasing with the poppy box is the number of people who come by and say thanks on behalf

of a family member who served. The fundraising and remembrance campaign focused around the poppy has been going strong for 100 years now; the red flower plucked from

Canadian John McCrae’s oft-referenced In Flanders Fields poem and kept alive, living up to the “lest we forget” mission.

Senator

Fred Hiller, longtime member and past president of the Fergus Legion branch.

Photo by Jordan Snobelen

Community recalls Canada’s forgotten history of WWII battles

BY PAIGE PEACOCK

HARRISTON

the community gathered

to commemorate the anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which

events officials say have often been forgotten in Canada’s military history.

Harriston Superior Monuments, in collaboration with Minto Culture Days, celebrated the 76th anniversary of the end of the Second World War at the Harriston Auditorium on Oct. 24.

The event included a multitude of exhibits showcasing Canadian history, featuring battles (including the history of connections to Wellington County), artifacts and soldiers.

In attendance was Jack Callowhill, original member of the “Devil’s Brigade,” also known as the First Special Service Force (FSSF) Association, a Canada-U.S., WWII commando unit which fought the Germans in a series of raids between 1942 and 1944.

Harriston Superior Monuments memorial counsellor John McVicar said he hopes people will take away “a little more education about the often-unheard-of aspects

the war.

“I’ve just had pretty much a lifelong disappointment that most Canadians do not know the huge achievements that the people in our military have

earned and maybe as we come up to Remembrance Day this year, some of that will sink in,” said McVicar.

He added being able to put the event on after last year’s

cancellation was “a dream come true” – and the timing of this year’s event worked in his favour, having only recently learned about Callowhill.

“To think, if I had put this on last year ... I wouldn’t have known about Jack. I only heard about him last November,” McVicar said.

Callowhill, born in Hamilton and now residing in Stoney Creek, is one of three surviving Canadian members of the original FSSF and the only one from his regiment left alive.

“I didn’t have any idea what it was going to be all about, but I do enjoy things like this,” Callowhill said of the event.

“Once in a while we go to some things like this, but not too often anymore.”

Callowhill, 98, said a lot of the artifacts and history presented at the event were familiar, bringing back memories of some of the items his father, who was a Highlander in the First World War, used to have.

“When you come to something like this, everybody talks

to you fine, but it brings back memories and its unfortunately not nice memories,” Callowhill said of being the last living member of the regiment.

“We never talked about it –that was the point. We’re not supposed to talk about it, so people didn’t know and they didn’t know for a lot of years about the wars.”

Callowhill said although the FSSF was half American and half Canadian, they all lived together and worked together – “you wouldn’t know the difference.

“You miss the guys,” he added, “and the guy that got hurt the same time I did, I never did see him again,” Callowhill explained as he recalled when he was wounded during the Battle of Monte de la Difensa in Italy in 1943.

When asked what memories the history shown in the event brought back of his time during the war, Callowhill said they were mixed.

“Some of my memories are good, some are bad,” he

76th anniversary – Community members gathered in Harriston on Oct. 24 to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Former president of the First Special Service Force Association Don Shelton, left, posed with veteran Jack Callowhill, one of three surviving Canadian members of the original FSSF. Photo by Paige Peacock

Grand River Mustangs hitting the ice in Remembrance Day Classic

BY JORDAN SNOBELEN

WELLINGTON COUNTY

- The Grand River Mustangs female hockey teams will once again carve up the ice for the Remembrance Day Classic after last year’s hiatus.

Upwards of 900 players and families from 52 teams are expected to come through Fergus, Elora and Arthur for the annual tournament supporting local Legions and veterans.

Tournament convenor Ryan Kent said the executive team wasn’t sure what this year’s tournament would look like when planning began in August.

“We didn’t have the tournament in 2020 due to the pandemic but were able to get it fired back up this year,” Kent said, adding it wasn’t until the last few weeks when they found everything could be brought together again.

In previous years, Kent said the remembrance ceremony has been a good attraction.

“The stands get quite filled up,” he said.

That could be the case again this year with capacity limits lifted completely for indoor sports arenas as of Oct. 25, with proof of full vaccination required for spectators.

Across three days, from Nov. 5 to 7, 133 games are slotted with the first puck dropping Friday morning.

“Some teams have gone

Special jerseys - Members of the Grand River Mustangs Atom BB hockey team seen in 2019 at the Fergus Remembrance Day service. Advertiser file photo

out and got their own jerseys made which is really super cool,” Kent said of the tournament.

On Nov. 6 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, Fergus Legion branch Colour Guard members will be piped out for an 11am opening ceremony on the ice where a temporary cenotaph will be set up. Legion members will say some words and there will be a moment of silence to reflect on lives lost.

The Legion is also providing lunch for players on Saturday.

At the Elora arena, a similar ceremony will take place on Saturday at 1pm with Elora Legion members.

“We’re hoping folks not even involved in the tournament come out to support the community, teams and Legion

all at once,” Kent said.

Fergus Legion branch president Randy Graham said the Legion’s new wireless payment poppy box will be relocated from the Fergus Zehrs to the Fergus arena for the tournament’s duration.

“It’s really a spectacle to see some of these uniforms,” he said, talking of the jerseys customized for the tournament.

Donations toward the Legion’s poppy fund from hockey groups and families over the weekend in past years have come in around $600, with those funds assisting veterans and their families.

Kent spoke of the organization’s appreciation for the Legions’ participation and said the tournament serves as a “great way to bring the community together.”

New Poppy Boxes at Legion

guys went out in the

can never forget

who went out there,”

longtime Fergus branch member Fred Hiller, adding the Fergus branch has lost 13 veteran members in the last 18 months.

“It’s a group of people that are not around anymore; there’s getting to be less and less, but our 13 that we lost,” he said, pausing, “they were elderly statesman.

“We miss those ones down at the Legion,” he lamented.

Hiller, also a past branch president, has been a Legion member for over 40 years and said much has changed since

he first joined.

“In the last 42 years I’ve been doing the poppy campaign, it has changed drastically; the only ones who wore uniforms back then were either the vets or executive members,” he said.

But with the loss of many traditional veterans and those who remain now well into their 90s, there’s a concern they will be forgotten, unable to advocate for themselves and share their stories.

And any bets on the future of remembrance – the key mission of Legions – will have to be taken up by veterans’ family members, newer veterans and members of the public

“who believe in the meaning of remembrance,” Graham said.

The meaning and purpose of buying a Legion poppy serves both “remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but not forgetting those that continue to serve for what they fought for” and supporting veterans and their families for years to come.

The Royal Canadian Legion is also supplying a specially designed poppy commemorating the poppy’s 100-year anniversary, available for purchase from area Legions and online while supplies last.

The Fergus Legion had already sold out of the special poppy as of Nov. 1.

Thank

Legions planning remembrance services across Wellington

BY ADVERTISER STAFF

WELLINGTON COUNTY

– Royal Canadian Legion branches in Wellington County will once again be holding modified Remembrance Day services adapted to current pandemic precautions.

Aberfoyle

The Optimist Club of Puslinch is conducting Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph outside the Puslinch Community Centre in Aberfoyle.

The ceremony will be much like last year, said Optimist Club member Vinnie Klimkosz – a drive-up event where people can sit in their vehicle or stand outside their vehicle for the service.

Things get underway around 10:45am on Nov. 11 and will end shortly after a minute of silence at 11am.

There will be a small procession, dignitaries will speak, three wreaths will be laid, and the names of the war dead will be read, Klimkosz said.

There will also be a piper and trumpeter.

Last year several transport

trucks pulled off Highway 6 to observe the service from the roadside and numerous people stood outside their cars in the parking lot.

With hats over hearts, it was moving to witness.

“It’s a free event and we welcome everybody,” Klimkosz said.

Arthur (Branch 226)

The Arthur service will be at 10:45am on Nov. 11 at the Arthur cenotaph, located at the corner of George and Frederick streets.

The Legion Colour Party will meet at the cenotaph where wreaths will be pre-laid, with the exception of those representing Canada, the province, the township and the branch.

Past branch president Ken Englbey said the service will be “short and sweet” without any fellowship post-service at the branch.

“We can’t stop the public from going, I imagine there will be a few people there, hopefully,” he remarked.

Belwood

A small remembrance service will be held at noon on Nov. 7 at the Belwood ceno-

Thank You Veterans

taph located at the corner of Queen Street and 5th Street North.

Drayton (Branch 416)

Drayton Legion Branch 416 will hold a cenotaph service, following COVID-19 precautions, at 2:30pm on Nov. 11.

There will be no parade or live music and wreaths will be placed prior to the service. The names of those sponsoring the wreaths will be read during the service.

Branch 416 secretary Mary Miller says the Legion asks that everyone follow current COVID-19 guidelines.

“We want everyone to stay safe as we remember those who fought for and died for our freedom,” said Miller.

She notes information about the branch’s youth education campaign has been distributed to the schools and the poppy campaign began on Oct. 29 as mandated by Legion Command.

Elora/Salem (Branch 229)

It won’t quite be the same as normal, but Remembrance Day in Elora and Salem will have a little more fanfare than last year.

Jim Paterson, poppy chair for Branch 229, said there will be services in Salem and Elora

With heartfelt

on Nov. 11 and that streets will be closed this year to accommodate.

“Last year we did not seek a permit to close the streets,” he said. “We probably should have, even with a reduced crowd. The vehicle noise really interrupted the ceremony.”

The service in Salem is at 9:30am on Nov. 11 at the cenotaph.

This one is to honour those from former Nichol Township who participated in the major wars.

The service in Elora begins just before 11am on Nov. 11 at the cenotaph outside the municipal building.

“We’re not encouraging a large public gathering,” Paterson said. “We’re trying to be responsible. Even though restrictions have lifted, we’re going to have a safe ceremony.”

Paterson said there will be a small colour party and a single piper. Only four wreaths will be laid during the ceremony: one representing Canada, one for Ontario, one from Branch 229, and one from the Ladies Auxiliary Branch 229. Other wreaths - from families, local businesses and other organizations – will be positioned before the ceremony begins.

In normal years five differ-

ent clergy would also take part, but this year there’s just one: Rev. Susan Clarke, pastor for the Legion.

And only four cadets will be used in the service - one to stand guard on each corner around the cenotaph.

“Normally we have a group or a guard, but it’s not allowed this year,” Paterson said.

“There are stringent rules they follow, and we follow. But we are able to use the cadets for the poppy campaign.”

Paterson said there aren’t many Second World War veterans still living, “but they are still part of the ceremony. We’re going to read the names

of the members we’ve lost in the past 12 months as well. It’s very moving.”

There will be no dinner after the ceremony.

“We’re not able to do that for the second year. Everybody misses that,” he said. “We miss getting together. But we’re listening to the province and public health. And we’re also listening to Dominion Command, who decides what the ceremonies should look like.”

Paterson said folks who attend in person should take a walk to St. John’s Anglican Church on Henderson Street

Lest We Forget

HARRISTON

LEGION

for Remembrance Day

with all the wreaths already placed at the Cenotaph.

protocols in place 100 people limit

Remembrance DayServices

2021 marks the poppy’s 100th anniversary. Photo by Jordan Snobelen

Local Legions planning services

and see the poppy installation that’s draped outside the church.

Erin (Branch 442)

The Erin Legion has confirmed it will be hosting an in-person Remembrance Day service at the Erin cenotaph on Union Street, just off Main Street.

The service will be held Nov. 11 at 11am, officials say. Wreaths will be preplaced prior to the ceremony.

Organizers are asking attendees wear masks, and physical distancing is recommended.

We Will Remember ThemThe Men and Women of Erin and District, a newly published book, is also available for a $25 donation to the Erin Legion Branch 442 Poppy Trust Fund.

Fergus (Branch 275)

At least one classroom will be attending the service at the Fergus cenotaph located at Norman Craig Square, according to Branch 275 president Randy Graham.

There won’t be a parade this year but Graham anticipates a larger turnout than last year.

Local firefighters will form an honour guard, a brass band will attend, and Graham is hoping for a few cadets as well now that they are permitted to help out.

Seven dignitary wreaths will be laid in-person with the rest, possibly upwards of 80, prelaid.

The service begins at

10:45am on Nov. 11 and will be finished by noon.

Wellington OPP will be blocking off Tower Street between Queen Street and Union Street for the service.

Harriston/Clifford (Branch 296)

Harriston Legion Branch 296 will be holding outdoor cenotaph services in Clifford on Nov. 7 at 2pm and by the Harriston cenotaph on Nov. 11 at 11am.

“Once again things will look different during this fourth wave of COVID with restrictions in place,” stated Branch 296 poppy chair Anne South in an email.

Wreaths will be in place with Legion members gathering at the cenotaphs, including a colour party and trumpeter. Veteran names will be called out and published on the Branch 296 Facebook page.

The general public will need to mask and follow distancing requirements.

Although 100 per cent capacity gatherings are currently allowed at the Legion with proof of vaccination, the Harriston branch has “decided to go with the outside service only again this year,” South stated.

Poppy boxes have been set up at local businesses since Oct. 29 and will be in place until Nov. 11. Receipted donations to the Poppy Fund may be dropped into the branch office or sent to Box 118, Harriston, ON, N0G 1Z0.

“COVID-19 will not stop us

from our duty to remember those who have served or are currently serving our country today,” branch officials state.

“Our support of veterans and their families is essential at all times. We will remember them.”

Mount Forest (Branch 134)

The Mount Forest Legion (Branch 134) will be having a small Remembrance Day service at the cenotaph located at Veteran’s Memorial Park beginning at 10:30am on Nov. 11 and lasting around 30 minutes.

Many of the wreaths will be pre-placed, Legion president Ken Thompson said.

There will be a small parade with a Colour Party, a piper and drummer from the Cameron Highlanders and a small group will be coming from Canadian Forces Base Borden, “placing a wreath on behalf of the soldiers of CFB Borden.”

Wellington North councillor Steve McCabe and Mayor Andy Lennox will also be present at the service representing the township.

Palmerston (Frank Lambier Branch 409)

Palmerston Legion Branch 409 officials note 2021 is the 100th Anniversary of the remembrance poppy in Canada.

The Palmerston Legion poppy campaign will proceed as usual until Nov. 11.

“Your support helps a lot of veterans,” notes local campaign chair Brian Noble.

The branch’s remembrance service will be held at the Palmerston Cenotaph on Nov. 11 starting at 10:45am.

The public is welcome to attend this year’s service following current COVID-19 protocols.

“We ask that masks be worn since people will be standing closely together,” branch officials state.

There will be no parade to the cenotaph or social/lunch at the branch afterwards.

A drive-through roast beef dinner will take the place of the usual sit down meal. Call 519-343-3919 to book a pickup time.

Rockwood

The Township of Guelph/ Eramosa is hosting a Remembrance Day service in Rockwood on Nov. 11 at 10:55am.

As per the 2020 Remembrance Day Service, there will be reduction in people at the ceremony location and an adjustment in the format to allow the community to honour its veterans, officials say.

Spectators will be discour-

aged from attending in person due to the limited space and the requirement to physically distance.

The smaller number of people participating will be required to remain two metres apart and will need to wear masks unless performing certain duties related to the ceremony.

The township will offer a livestream presentation of the ceremony on its website and Facebook page.

REMEMBRANCE

such that no wreath bearers or assistants will be required

• No members of the Cadets or Wellington Ri es present

Please note, the Ministry of Transportation and County of Wellington have authorized the Township of Guelph/Eramosa to temporarily close a portion of Highway No. 7, between Fourth Line (Wellington County Road 44) to Milton Eramosa Townline in the Township of Guelph/Eramosa during the Service.

In addition, there will be temporary road closures on local streets surrounding the Cenotaph during the Service. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

The Township will o er a Livestream presentation of the Remembrance Day ceremony on Facebook Page and Website.

We remember all of those who risked – and lost – their lives ghting for the freedoms we enjoy today.

we Forget.

Rockwood’s Adrian Alder, a member of Acton Legion Branch 197, led Guelph-Eramosa’s Remembrance Day service at the Rockwood cenotaph in 2020. Advertiser file photo

‘The Poppy Project:’

BY PAIGE PEACOCK

ELORA – Passersby will see thousands of knitted poppies cascading from the windows of the St. John Anglican Church steeple over the next couple weeks.

Members of the church gathered on Oct. 24 to hoist the poppies up the walls of the church, where they will remain until Nov. 14.

The community initiative, titled the Poppy Project, is intended to commemorate the poppy, which was officially adopted as a symbol for Remembrance Day 100 years ago.

“Particularly, it’s significant during COVID when we cannot gather in Cenotaphs in large numbers in public so this is a way for people to participate in something tangible as an expression of their remembrance and their commitment to peace,” St. John Anglican Church reverend Paul Walker said of the project.

Over 100 people have participated in what started out as a small community initiative through a local church group.

The church, located at 36 Henderson St. in Elora, hosts a knitters and quilters club that meets weekly and it was during one of its weekly Zoom meetings that members formed the plan.

In order to see the project through, the church received approval from the Elora Legion, the Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command, the National Poppy Campaign coordinator and Veterans Affairs Canada.

The vision for the project was to attach more than a thousand knitted or crocheted poppies to netting and drape it from the steeple of the church in a display for Remembrance Day.

Having originally aimed for 1,500 poppies, knitting club member Pam Gradwell said they’ve been very pleased with how the project turned out,

adding they’ve received over 7,200 poppies as of the Oct. 24 date.

Walker said the church modestly proposed the initial request for 1,500 poppies but they just kept coming, even from as far away as Australia.

“Someone who used to live here read about it on the Wellington Advertiser online and said ‘I’m going to make some poppies and mail them to us,’” he explained. “It’s astonishing.”

And they’re still coming, he said. Even on the morning of the installation (Oct. 24) the church was still receiving deliveries of poppies.

Walker said the church has been overwhelmed with the success of the project, adding its far exceeded their expectations.

“We’ve never done it before so we’re kind of making it up as we go along with a concept in mind of how it’s all going to work,” Walker said of the installation. “But then

you actually do it and sort of revamp.

“It’s been pretty smooth,” he noted, adding “it’s a team effort. We had a sort of conceptual idea of how it would work, and I think it’s working out quite well.”

When asked what the church plans to do with the new abundance of knitted poppies, Walker confirmed the church will be displaying the poppies again next year and plans to continue using them in years to come.

“They’re all-weather poppies so they will survive sun, rain, sleet and snow,” he explained, adding he hopes more places will participate next year.

“My hope is – you know how Elora has a Monster Month in October – wouldn’t it be wonderful if all of Elora participated in poppy month in November?” Walker asked. “All sorts of buildings could be covered in poppies.”

Remember Our Veterans

“Canada’s Most Patriotic Village”, recognized as such because of Arthur’s extraordinary effort in World War II. With a population of about 900, Arthur had 100 men and women in the armed forces, most of whom were overseas. We celebrate and thank our Veterans.

honour and remember the sacrifices and contributions of our armed forces,

and

Thank you

Poppy Project – Members of the St. John Anglican Church gathered on Oct. 24 to hoist the poppies up the walls of the church, where they will remain until Nov. 14. Photo by Paige Peacock

Poppy project proves popular

of the church’s

Walker added since the church has received so many poppies they’ve put together banners, which they’re calling garlands, and distributed them to places around the community.

Garlands can already be seen on display at Dars Country Market, Geddes Street Market, Heritage River Retirement Residence and St. John’s-Kilmarnock School.

Walker explained with the pandemic and not being able to gather in public as much as people are accustomed to, the project acts as a way of connecting the community on Remembrance Day.

A way to connect “For the second year we cannot gather around cenotaphs on Remembrance Day in public and in large numbers. This has been a way for people to connect from their homes, knowing they’re participating

in a community project and initiative that brings people together.

“And it’s been really powerful for people that way and its initiated and prompted stories of their own connections to the war of family members, grandparents, parents who have been involved and, in some cases, came back with significant injuries or even lost their lives.

“This connects them to that as well.”

Elora poppy campaign to feature mailouts, tappable donation box

BY JOANNE SHUTTLEWORTH

ELORA – The poppy campaign at Legion Branch 229 here began on Oct. 29 and will feature a few changes from pre-pandemic times.

Poppy chair Jim Paterson said cadets will be assisting the campaign by soliciting donations outside the Tim Hortons and the Gorge Restaurant in Elora.

Legion members will be collecting donations outside the Beer Store on Saturdays and Sundays before Nov. 11.

The Elora Legion has one automated device that allows someone to make a donation by tapping a debit or credit card for $2, $5, or $10 amounts.

Paterson said they are trying it out at the Elements Casino Grand River as it has

a power source and internet connection necessary for the device.

“It’s the busiest location,” Paterson said. “It will take a while to see if people can grasp it. This year is more of an experiment than anything.”

Paterson said there are also traditional boxes inside the casino and most Elora businesses have taken boxes of poppies as well.

He stressed poppies are not sold; rather donations are solicited but anyone can have a poppy.

The Legion is also doing a mailout campaign again this year to everyone with a N0B 1S0 postal code – some 4,200 pieces of mail containing two poppies and an envelope

addressed to the Elora Legion.

“The response last year was fantastic,” Paterson said, adding proceeds support the Legion’s local initiatives.

‘Visual bonus’

As an added visual bonus this year, Paterson said the Legion will be using excess poppies from the St. John’s Anglican Church display on Henderson Street and “putting them on the side of the Legion,” Paterson said.

Paterson said the Legion will prepare a financial report on the poppy campaign and the result will be printed in the Advertiser some time in December.

“A lot of people donate to us. We want everyone to see where the money goes,” he said.

Lest We Forget

Never Forget – Always Remember

Wellington County Museum and Archives participates in documentation project of the 153rd Wellington Battalion Great War Colours

BY PAIGE PEACOCK

WELLINGTON COUNTY

– The Wellington County Museum and Archives (WCMA) is partaking in an initiative to document the 153rd Wellington Battalion Great War Colours.

With the permission and assistance of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, WCMA staff have temporarily borrowed the colours to allow the museum to examine and document them for its historical record.

WCMA curator Hailey Johnston said the museum is grateful for the opportunity to examine such a meaningful piece of Wellington County’s history.

“It is very exciting, and the county is thrilled to be a part of this,” she explained.

“The colours are a piece of Wellington County history – the fact that they’re still around, the fact that St. Andrews has been safeguarding them all these years is really wonderful.

Oct. 6 marked the 105th anniversary (Oct. 6, 1916) of the colours being presented to the battalion in Guelph.

When the 153rd Battalion went overseas in April 1917 during the First World War, the colours were deposited with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Fergus for safekeeping, where they have remained on display ever since.

April 2, 2022 will mark the 105th anniversary of the

colours being presented to the church.

“We have photographs of the colours from when they were presented to the Battalion in 1916, but as they are black and white and taken from far away the details of the flags have been unknown to us until now,” Johnston explained.

The 153rd Battalion Colours consists of two flags, the Sovereign Colour and the Regimental Colour.

The Sovereign Colour is based on the national flag, with the name and number of the unit at the centre.

The Regimental Colour carried the motto of the 153rd at the centre, “Virtutis Fortuna Comes” (Fortune Favours the Brave) along with Canadian

symbols like the beaver and maple leaf.

Colours is the term used to describe the ceremonial flags carried by a regiment, Johnston explained. These flags are symbols of pride and loyalty to the Crown, nation and regiment.

While an important part of the project is to document the colours, the real purpose is having local war dead from the First World War continued to be remembered.

“It’s a legacy,” Johnston explained. “We’ve had some anniversaries and recent memory of a lot of First World War battles and the colours have never come up, they’ve sort of passed out of our common memory.

“St. Andrews has known

that they’re there but to the general public this is an opportunity for everyone to rediscov-

er this sort of lost history, and we’re putting our skills towards

The Colours – The Sovereign’s Colour, commonly called the King’s Colour, based on the national flag with the name and number of the unit at the centre. Submitted photo

County of Wellington set to host Remembrance service at museum November 5

BY PATRICK RAFTIS

ABOYNE – Wellington County is continuing a tradi-

of commemorating the contributions of the local fallen from the First World War to Afghanistan with the placement of more than 500 memorial markers on the front lawn at the Wellington County Museum and Archives.

The markers will be in place for the annual Remembrance ceremony, held in conjunction with Royal Canadian Legion

branches from across the county on the front lawn of the museum, this year set for Nov.

at 10:30am.

“In partnership with the local legions we will be honoring and fallen across Wellington County, those who died in the First World War, World War Two, Korea and Afghanistan are remembered with the markers on the front lawn and a ceremony reading out their names,” stated Warden Kelly Linton at the Oct. 28 council meeting.

Fallen

Linton invited local residents to come out for the annual candle ceremony on Nov. 10 at 5:30pm.

“Please join us and place a Remembrance candle on each of the 526 markers as a tribute to the fallen from across Wellington County,” Linton urged.

Linton noted the candles, provided by the museum, will remain lit until Nov. 12 “and everyone is encouraged to attend.”

not grow old,

we that are left grow old:

not weary

years

Wellington County remembers - Representatives of Legion branches from across the county read the names of the fallen from the local area at a Remembrance service held at the Wellington County Museum and Archives in Aboyne on Nov. 5, 2020. Don Cubbidge read names on behalf of the Elora Legion.

Colours will be on display

helping preserve the colours moving forward.”

The 153rd Battalion was made up of locals men from across Wellington County, and the colours not only represent the soldiers but the communities of the county and the sacrifices they made.

“Until now, we couldn’t be sure of the original colours of the flags or how they were made,” Johnston explained.

“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to photograph and record these details now.”

According to Johnston, the colours are still on their original wooden pikes, which are topped with a lion and crown finial. Having been made with weighted silk, a delicate fabric that breaks down over time, she said both flags are very fragile.

Johnston said initially, the hope for the colours was that they’d be on display at the WCMA, as part of the museum’s Remembrance Day activities this year, but after reviewing the condition of the flags, it has been determined that will not be happening.

“I know that was the wish when this idea was put forward, but it all hinged on the condition of the colours and

they’re not in good enough shape to be out is our current fear,” Johnston explained.

“As you can imagine, them being over 100 years old ... they’re a little worse for wear.”

Instead, Johnston explained, the church has loaned the museum the colours temporarily while the conservator takes a look at them to see what can be done at the museum to continue their preservation.

“This is a project that we’re working on in cooperation with St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. We’re looking at the colours and trying to give them a hand.

“Because they do have quite a bit of damage on them. They’re over 100 years old, that’s sort of to be expected, so it’s an ongoing process.”

Johnston said the museum will continue to keep the public informed about the documentation process through its website and social media.

The museum’s conservator will be noting what materials the flags were made with, what their original colours were –and how they are fading with time – and how they were pieced and sewn together.

Given the fragile state of the colours, Johnston said the

at museum

Canada’s Governor General

museum will be working closely with the church and making recommendations to determine the safest way to display them in a way that’s in the best interest of the artifacts.

The museum will have the colours out for visitors to see on Nov. 5 for its Remembrance Day ceremony.

“They have to be kept indoors, but visitors can come inside after the ceremony and see them up close and talk with the conservator and myself

about their history and conservation,” Johnston explained.

“They’re just on loan temporarily,” she noted. “When they go back to the church, we’ll work with them to give them some advice on how best to display them to extend their preservation.

“At the end of the day, yes, they’ve survived for 105 years but we want them to survive for another 105 and we are very much in the business of always putting the artifacts first.”

The idea for the poppy as a symbol of remembrance comes from Madame Anna Guérin — known as “The Poppy Lady from France” — who, inspired by John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields, adopted the poppy for distribution on Armistice Day to raise money for veterans of the First World War.

Each year, the Royal Canadian Legion chooses a National Silver Cross Mother to receive the Memorial Cross (also known as the Silver Cross), a memento presented to widows and mothers of Canadian service members. The Silver Cross Mother will place a wreath at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11 on behalf of all Canadian mothers who have lost a child to military service. This year’s National Silver Cross Mother is Josée Simard.

emembrance

Remembrance Ceremony and Candle Lighting

In partnership with our local Legions, we honour the fallen from Wellington County. Those who died in the First World War, World War Two, Korea and Afghanistan are remembered with a marker on the front lawn and a ceremonial reading of their names.

Please join us and place a remembrance candle on each of the 526 markers as a tribute to the fallen from Wellington County. This informal and poignant tribute takes place at dusk on November 10 and the candles will remain lit until November 12. Candles provided by the Museum and everyone is encouraged to attend.

Lest we forget. Remembering our veterans

On Remembrance Day,we honour the membersof our armed forceswho served and madethe ultimate sacrifice.Their courage anddedication will alwaysbe remembered.

Whites Rd. Palmerston

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St. Andrew Street West

The Colours – The Regimental Colour, which carried the motto “Virtutis Fortuna Comes” (Fortune Favours the Brave) along with other Canadian symbols like the beaver and maple leaf. Submitted photo

‘They were well trained, well armed and ... they had guts’

explained.

“Mostly I think the memories come afterwards when you don’t find the people when you go to a reunion or something like this, you worry what happened because everything gets changed around.

“You don’t know anybody, so you try to find out and they don’t know who you’re talking about.”

Asked how it feels to serve his county, Callowhill said he doesn’t remember all the time – unless something happens.

“When you talk about the whole thing, if you get us sitting down, which we don’t very often, you see that the guys that did the intensive training that put their heart and soul into it had a better chance of living than the other ones.”

First Special Service Force

Don Shelton, former president of the FSSFA, spoke of the history of the FSSF, drawing back to where the first members of the FSSF were trained in secret in Helena, Montana under the command of colonel Robert Frederick.

“There was no special blueprint for how to train commandos or special forces in that day, so he created that blueprint,” he explained.

“They were supposed to be going in for very dangerous missions, sabotage missions, behind-the-line missions, and so his idea ... to keep them alive during their assignments was to make them the fittest men and the best trained men on the continent.”

Shelton explained members of the force were trained in all kinds of combat areas, including mountain climbing, winter warfare, martial arts, combat fighting and knife fighting.

A special knife was also developed for them, a V42 knife or the “killing knife,” and the colonel taught the service force how to use it.

“His motto was ‘I’m not here to teach you how to cap-

ture or to control someone, I’m here to show you how to kill someone,’” Shelton said.

He explained how during one of the battles, Callowhill, with his regiment, climbed up in the dark to a level where the Germans didn’t think they’d be coming.

There, they hid during the day and at night moved up and scaled the steepest side of the mountain and surprised the Germans, driving them off the mountain within a few hours.

“Then they went on to clear more and more mountains of Germans, but it was a tremendous toll,” he explained.

“Out of 1,800 men ... there

The event also saw a special display dedicated to local soldier Victor Innanen, born in Harriston, who enlisted in the army at the age of 15.

After a short while, it was discovered he was underage and he was sent home, but that didn’t deter him.

He reenlisted under the surname “Coja,” his mother’s maiden name, and went on to join the army.

“(He) made it through a very strict selection process; they only wanted the toughest and fittest and most aggressive men that they thought would fit into this unit,” Shelton explained.

He was selected and went down to Helena, Montana and

grown men and succeeded.”

From there, Innanen became a staff sergeant at the age of 16 and was put in charge of other men, many much older than him, Shelton explained.

It was during the Battle of Monte de la Difensa that Innanen’s job was to carry up the supplies so the men on the top of the mountain could keep fighting and bring the wounded down.

“It was an eight-hour trip up and down and some of the guys worked 24 hours, made three trips up without sleep.

“Many of them fell victim to exhaustion. Victor came down with trench foot but as soon as he was finished that, back into the fray and into clearing other mountain tops,” he added.

Innanen made it through the Battle of Monte de la Difensa and in 1944, moved onto the Battle of Monte Majo.

It was during that battle that Innanen was killed by a sniper at the age of 17, the youngest member of the FSSF to be killed in action.

He was three months shy of his 18th birthday.

“So that’s why we’re here today, because he’s part of the first special force lineage and legacy,” Shelton explained of the event.

“You had to be able to take hard conditions and have kind of an indomitable will, so they found those types of characters and Victor was one of them and Jack is another one.”

He added the FSSFA is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the first special service force and passing it on to the next generations.

that Canadians stood up at this level and that we have that kind of commitment.”

Shelton said the FSSF is an important part of Canada’s military history but very few people know about it.

“We left a lot of Canadians buried in foreign soil, we want them to be remembered,” he noted.

was only 400 who could actually fight,” he added. “Some were wounded, some had frostbite, some had trench foot.

“When you look back on this history, they realize how phenomenal they were and they are now considered the forefathers of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment and Joint Task Force 2, which are the most well-trained commandos we have in Canada.”

Tribute to local soldier

trained at Fort William Henry Harrison in the same regiment as Callowhill, although the two never crossed paths.

“The average age of the force was 22 years old, they’re all usually experienced soldiers which is what happens with special combat troops for commandos,” Shelton noted.

“Usually, you need to have a little bit of experience to take on that training, but he, at the age of 15, was training with

“It’s a very strong part of special forces history today and the First Special Service Force veterans like Jack Callowhill, they’re held in high regard by all of the (FSSFA) people today because they find it hard to believe that these men did what they did.

“Because in Canadian forces it might take you five years to get to that level and they did it in a year and a half,” he said.

“And so they set the stage, they set the standard for special forces in North America.”

Shelton explained the men that were in the FSSF came from all parts of Canada, especially from small towns.

“They wanted people who could take a hard life,” he said.

“We honour our veterans and Jack is very special to us because he’s one of the very few force men now who can actually travel and walk around a room and talk to people.

“What he is here for is to honour the men who did not come back. Jack’s here to tell the story.”

Forgotten history Shelton explained because FSSF was a small unit and kept secret, a lot of the documents about the FSSF didn’t come out until the mid 1960s or 70s.

“So for a while they were almost a forgotten regiment and a lot of people don’t know the significance of what these men accomplished and the standards that they set,” he said.

“And they need to be proud

“We need to acknowledge ... that’s the price of freedom.

“The lifestyle we live today is often thanks to the men and women that stood up when it was necessary, and this group stood up big-time.

“They were well trained, well armed, and they had chutzpah, they had guts, they were determined. If anybody was going to take that objective, it would be them or they’d die doing it, that’s the kind of men they were.

“They were dangerous at every level, right down to the very last man.

“There’s still one man left, you still had to be careful because he would be dangerous, and that’s the same with special forces today, that’s the tradition that carries on.”

They shal grow not old, as we tat are left grow old, age shal not weary tem,nor te years condemn. At te goingdown of te sun and in te morning ...

we wil remember tem

lest we

Killing knife – Here, war veteran Jack Callowhill holds a special knife – the V42 knife or the “killing knife” – developed for the First Special Service Force. Photos by Paige Peacock

World War II history – The event featured displays of the histories of past battles, artifacts and soldiers, including the history of connections to Wellington County.