Humbling and emotional: veterans in Sarnia reflect on Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day for Bill Chafe is humbling.

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The peacetime military veteran joined Sarnia’s Royal Canadian Legion branch in 1978, when Korean and Second World War veterans filled its ranks.

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“As I got to know them, I heard their stories and heard their experiences,” said Chafe, now an executive committee member at the Legion branch.

Only one of those veterans from those conflicts more than 70 years ago remains, he said.

Remembering stories and sacrifices from them all “hits me with a huge impact,” he said, moments before leading Sarnia’s Remembrance Day ceremonies Saturday as parade marshal.
“What we’re doing is important,” he said. “To remember all of those that left before us.”

Hundreds of people were in Veterans Park as the sun shone Saturday to do that.

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Some applauded as about 60 members with Sarnia and London’s First Hussars reserve approached in the parade.

“Remembrance Day is connecting with the past,” said Scott Elliott, the unit’s regimental sergeant major, and a veteran of tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Afghanistan—where he said he helped guard the front gate at Kandahar Airfield and commanded convoys to forward operating bases.

“But not just (connecting) with the past,” he said, noting five soldiers with the First Hussars are currently deployed overseas.

“And our commitment is going to grow … because our government is still maintaining its NATO commitment overseas and expanding it,” he said.

The unit laid one of dozens of wreaths at the cenotaph Saturday, where Bruce Browning held one of the color party flags.

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He too was contemplating the emotional gravity of the day.

“You have to understand what the cenotaph means,” said the retired sergeant, who served from 1977 to 2002 throughout Canada and internationally.

“By definition, it’s an empty tomb with the names inscribed on it in memory of the people who didn’t come home,” he said.

“So you’re standing on their grave and remembering (those) who have been here before you—very emotional.”

Shannon Vance held another flag, beside Browning.

Being a member of the Legion has made dealing with Remembrance Day easier, said the retired master corporal who served in Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010.

“Because I struggle with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), I think it’s difficult not to go down to that dark place some days,” she said.

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“So belonging to the Legion and having the family support that I have, it means a lot—it keeps you from going to the dark place.”

The support people show to veterans and others who serve by turning out for the solemn occasion year after year in Sarnia is appreciated, Chafe said.

“We’re just in awe every year,” he said.

At the Legion hall, meanwhile, empty chairs were left for Corporal Brent Poland and Private William Cushley, Sarnia-Lambton soldiers killed in Afghanistan.

Each man’s favorite drink was poured and also left there in tribute—something new for the local branch this year, inspired by similar tributes at other masses, said branch Sergeant-at-Arms John Surins.

“It actually took me a while to track down what these guys drink,” he said.

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Jägermeister for Poland, of Camlachie, who died in 2007.

Jack Daniels and ginger ale for Cushley, of Port Lambton, who died in 2006.

“We’re very honored,” said Poland’s father Don.

“We’re certainly grateful.”

Poland’s mother Pat placed the first wreath at the cenotaph Saturday, on behalf of all Silver Cross mothers, shortly after the ritual of silence at 11 am that marks the anniversary of the end of the First World War in 1918.

“At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, time still stands for a moment and we remember those who died,” Deacon David Cummings said at the cenotaph.

“Not for war, but for a world that would be free and at peace.”

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