Brigadier-General returns to his Norfolk roots for Warrior’s Day ceremony

The Canadian military is preparing for future challenges in a time of unprecedented global uncertainty, says Brigadier-General Ryan Deming.

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“While we enjoy the surroundings of the Norfolk County Fair, the great offerings that are here and the beautiful weather, let me tell you that we are living in a time of unprecedented uncertainty,” Deming said Saturday. “The global impact of state on state conflicts threatens our way of life.

“That, combined with climate change, is making it more and more difficult for people to cope and survive.”

Deming said the military is taking the necessary steps to be ready for whatever call may come be it at home or abroad.

Raised in the hamlet of Rattlesnake Harbor near Simcoe, Deming attended Nixon Public School and Delhi District Secondary School before graduating from the Royal Military College in Kingston. He has spent more than 31 years serving Canada and just over a year ago, was promoted to brigadier-general.

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Deming returned to his Norfolk roots on Saturday to be the guest speaker at the fair’s annual Warrior’s Day ceremony.

In a wide-ranging speech, Deming paid tribute to the 6,000 people from Norfolk County who have served in the military since its founding in 1792. He also thanked the families and the communities who supported them.

“When I look back at my career, I see how important family and community was in shaping who I am,” Deming said. “My grandfather Jake Deming was one of those 6,000 who answered the call and served in the Second World War.

“He spoke to me about camaraderie, that joining the military was like joining a large family – you look out for one another and you look after one another.”

Deming said he has always had a passion for flying and well remembers his trips to Brantford Municipal Airport as a youth.

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At eight years of age, Deming said he was ready to enlist with the Canadian Royal Air Force.

Deming also paid tribute to members of the 56th Field Regiment, who participated in Saturday’s ceremony. He also spoke about the professionalism and dedication of those who serve.

They are the people who, when deployed in Afghanistan, spend their off-duty time building a school for girls, Deming said.

Members of the armed forces answered the call to help during a global pandemic, take on the most challenging search and rescue missions and help out elderly neighbors with snow shoveling and grass cutting.

“It’s just what they do – in and out of uniform,” Deming said.

Deming encouraged everyone in the community to continue Norfolk County’s legacy of service by supporting veterans, advocating for their needs and reducing the stigma of mental health challenges.

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“Equally important is that you continue efforts towards fostering respect, inclusiveness and gratitude,” Deming said. “By doing so, it ensures the sacrifices of our members are meaningful.”

The ceremony included music by the Salvation Army Band, the Ingersoll Pipe Band and speeches by Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady and Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin.

Dan Taylor, president of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, which operates the Norfolk Fair, said the ceremony is near and dear to his heart.

Taylor said his great grandfather, Patrick Dickson, was killed in action on Nov. 6, 1918 just five days before the end of the First World War. His grandfather, Alex Dickson, was taken prisoner during the Second World War raid at Dieppe.

“I am extremely proud of the legacy of these two great men,” Taylor said. “It led me to become part of the Warrior’s Day committee in 1999 and that committee got me involved as a volunteer with the Norfolk County Fair.”

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