To The Haldimand Press
DUNNVILLE—There will be a ceremony at Centennial Park (Thompson Creek) in Dunnville on Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11 a.m. dedicating a Vimy Oak tree.
Returning home following the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917, Leslie Miller, a Canadian soldier, planted a number of oak acorns at his father’s farm in Scarborough. He had gathered them from the battlefield at Vimy. The trees have matured and a foundation celebrating trees grown from these acorns is restoring trees at the Vimy Memorial in France.
As part of their campaign, The Vimy Foundation made a number of trees available to credible organizations across Canada. In 2018 the Port Maitland, “On the Grand” Historical Association (PMHA) purchased one of these trees. Their intention was to plant it at the cairn in Port Maitland East but instead it was planted in Thompson Creek Park. PMHA has since successfully applied to Haldimand County under the Community Beautification Program to purchase a memorial tablet for this site.
The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #142 Dunnville will be taking part in this dedication ceremony as well. The Colour Party will be honouring this special occasion. Opening and closing prayers will be conducted by Pastor Dawn.
Haldimand County sent its 114th Battalion, or Brock’s Rangers, to Vimy. Many of them never returned.
Do you know anyone whose relative fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge? We would like to know! Maybe you would share a photo of him or any of the men listed at right. Please contact Bill Warnick at wwarnick@cogeco.ca or call 905 531-4350.
All are welcome to attend the official unveiling of this tablet and dedication of the Vimy Tree.
