HAGERSVILLE—A feeling of honour and remembrance has taken hold in Hagersville as 94 banners recognizing local veterans of the first and second world wars and two police officers line Main and King Streets, serving as a reminder to never forget.
A ceremony to unveil and dedicate the banners was held at the Hagersville Legion on October 4, with approximately 180 veterans’ family members and special guests attending.
Rob Phillips, President of the Hagersville and District Chamber of Commerce (HDCC), explained that the effort to raise banners is “officially” a project of the HDCC but added, “In reality it’s the vision and passion of these three ladies … Brenda Gallant, Beverly Petheram, and Alicia Buckley.”
That devoted committee put in more than 200 volunteer hours on the project, including online sources such as Ancestry.com, Canada 411, Facebook, and obituaries, to find veterans’ relatives.
Along with those still in the local area, they connected with families from across Ontario and as far away as Alberta, Maine, Indiana, and Colorado.
The committee shares, “So many families were so excited we were doing this.”
The organizing committee is also pleased that the late Bob MacKinnon, who served in WWII, was able to see his banner before he passed: “He said he was so thrilled and he gave us his ‘seal of approval’.”
That sentiment was shared by those attending the unveiling. Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley acknowledged the work of the committee saying, “It shows that we are a caring community.” MP Leslyn Lewis’ representative Jeremy McIntee remarked, “It is so encouraging to see the continued efforts of communities to name these veterans and remember them.” MPP Bobbi Ann Brady added, “Seeing the banners for the first time I was so impressed…. Thank you for a beautiful job well done.” Ward 4 Councillor Marie Trainer shared a personal anecdote about Bob MacKinnon and said, “There are stories for all of these 94 heroes.” Pastor Peggy Bartlett suggested the banners can help youth learn about the wars: “I am grateful that our young people can see these banners and ask questions because these wars are a part of our history that our children can’t see.”
The HDCC sponsored banners for police officers Sergeant Andrew Harnett and Constable Grzegorz “Greg” Pierzchala. Speaking on behalf of the OPP Commissioner, Regional Commander Dwight Thib said, “As a fellow officer, I am humbled by the fact that Hagersville has chosen to honour two of my fallen brothers along with the war veterans.”
For the families of the veterans, the new banners are a meaningful way to honour their loved ones. Sisters Beth DeBoer and Janice Field, along with their seven brothers, were thrilled to get a banner of their father John Cook. DeBoer says, “We jumped at the chance! … I can see these banners … (and) he greets me coming into town.”
The siblings gather for a picnic every year and now their dad’s banner will be there as well. Field says, “That’s why I ordered extras; I miss him so much. This has been awesome for me. The girls did an amazing job.”
Alvin Maxwell appreciates the banners and says, “It means a lot. We’re really proud as a family to participate…. The world would be a different place without veterans around.”
Funding for the banners included a grant from the Haldimand County Capital Project Program. Sixty-six families purchased banners, while the Hagersville Legion Branch 164 covered the cost of 26 banners of veterans whose family could not be found.
Additional costs (graphic design, production, brackets, installation) are covered by donations. The committee says, “We are truly grateful for the donations we have received so far from individuals, a church, and some businesses…. We even received a donation from British Columbia from a person who saw our project advertised in The Haldimand Press…. We are still looking for funding to assist with this if anyone is interested.”
The banners will stay up until shortly after November 11. Next year they will be displayed from June to after Remembrance Day. Petheram says, “These veteran banners are a great way to honour our local veterans…. We need to appreciate what each and every one of them did for us and our country.”
That message is the true value of the banners that hang in Hagersville and across the county. Buckley says, “Words cannot convey our sincere gratitude … for the service, courage, bravery, and immeasurable sacrifices they gave for us and our country.”
As residents view the banners, Gallant says, “We should be very proud of what our local men did and it is our responsibility to never forget…. If not, their sacrifice was meaningless…. They are more than just a name on a wall, they are a face … they need to be remembered.”
