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Pogo 24 The Huron Expositor • August 19, 2009
L
News
celebrates 80 years in the community
with drumhead service and memorial
The drone of bagpipes and the rattle
of drums filled the air on the afteroon of
Aug. 16, as residents lined Main Street
and watched a ceremonial drumhead
service depart from the Royal Canadian
Legion Seaforth Branch and march to-
ward the memorial Cenotaph in Victoria
Park.
Legion officers led the service, followed
by members of the Brussels Legion
Branch 218 Pipe and Drum band, with
other auxiliary members following be-
hind.
When they reached the Cenotaph,
Pastor Steve Hildebrand of Egmondville
United Church explained the history of
the drumhead service, which dates back
centuries.
The flag and banner bearers would
gather at the cull of the drums, along
with senior military officers and a chap-
lain, he says.
"Prayers for strength and encourage-
ment were then offered for victory in the
battle that was about to take place," Hil-
debrand said. "After battle, the soldiers
reassembled with the drums, flags and .
banners and gave thanks for victory, if
there was one."
Prayers for the lives who had been lost
in battle were also offered before the
drum and flag alter, he said.
"With sadness in our hearts and
respect in our minds, we remember the
sacrifice of the countless lives that have
been lost in war," he said. "We remember
the valiant efforts of our veterans and
the families who were shattered by war."
During the ceremony, memorial
wreaths were placed near the Cenotaph
in honour of those soldiers who died in
war.
The service was held to celebrate the
80th anniversary of the local Legion
branch.
Above left, Fem Chesney, sergeant
of arms In the ladies' auxiliary,
carries the flag during the march
to the CenOtaph on Aug. 16.
Above, flag bearer Doug Smale is
all smiles at the front of the pro-
cession.
Left, Bagpipers Mattan Jones and
Don Martin blow out g tune along
with members of theBrussels Le-
gion Branch 218 Pipe and Drum
Band.
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch
156 celebrated its 80 anniversary
over the weekend, with a fish fry
supper, open house, dance and
drumhead service.
Photos by Dan Schwab