DUNNVILLE—Veterans Voices of Canada and its host community partners raised 128 flags at each location to honour the 128,000 Canadian military and RCMP members killed and missing in action from the Boer War in 1899 to current missions. This included Dunnville’s Wingfield Park on Saturday, September 9, 2023. This is the third year the flags have been raised as part of the Veterans Voices event, to remain up until Remembrance Day. The flags also pay tribute to first responders and animal service members. Funds raised from this year’s event will go to providing service dogs to veterans.
DUNNVILLE—One of the flags raised at the event honours the 159 Canadian soldiers lost during the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. The fallen are listed in chronological order of their sacrifice. 
DUNNVILLE—Niagara-area members of the UN NATO Riders, a veterans group, happily join the Dunnville Legion for many of their events. From left is George Lane, past military member; Larry Brodie, Navy stoker; Phil Michie, army; and James Grenier, Canadian airborne regiment. Grenier noted, “We’ve been coming here supporting the Dunnville Legion for many years because of how much work they do here. Brent (O’Connor) does a lot of good work.” 
Ron Batenburg, Dunnville Legion Colour Party, removes the tie on one of the flags. While not a veteran himself, Batenburg remembered his grandfather, who served in the Dutch military during World War II. 
Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley remarked that “coming together is a gracious way to remember” our military members and first responders. 
Event organizer and Dunnville Legion member Brent O’Connor gave an overview of the event’s purpose and provided a list of the people being honoured through the sponsored plaques on the flags. 
Vicky Almas (front) proudly unveiled the plaque sponsored in honour of the animals who died in service, noting her daughter Jenn Galvin (middle left) is a veterinarian technician at Grand River Veterinary Clinic in Caledonia. Also pictured is grandaughter Isabella Galvin, her partner Nicolas Pizzingrilli (back left), and son Steve Almas, who served in a non-combat role with the 23 Service Battalion in the early 90s. —Haldimand Press photos by Kaitlyn Clark.
