Volunteers In Cramahe Township Spend Part of Christmas Eve Remembering Fallen Veterans

Pete Fisher
5 years ago
• Categories: Editor Choice, Local

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A group of volunteers in Cramahe Township spent part of Christmas Eve remembering the fallen.

Approximately ten members including a number Colborne Legion Branch 187 members came out to place tribute candles on the graves of men and women who have served in the Canadian military.

The idea started from President of Colborne Legion Branch 187, John Ton.

“I suggested it to the executive of the Legion. It started off in the Netherlands and they put the candles at every soldiers grave.”

In large cemeteries in Europe there are sometimes upwards of 15,000 candles.

“I thought it would be a nice thing for us to do here.”

Ton grew up in the Netherlands and lived through World War II.

The volunteers visited two cemeteries in Cramahe Township including Union Cemetery and next year they hope to expand.

One of the difficulties were finding the graves of veterans. They had lists of the veterans, but not where they were buried in the cemeteries.

Tribute candles were also placed at the cenotaphs in Castleton and Colborne.

Ton paused and became emotional when asked what it meant to him.

“It’s something that I firmly believe in. We are reaching out to veterans who are reaching out into the community and hopefully the community will get behind this.”

Other communities have candles placed at cenotaphs, but it’s very rare in the area to have the tribute candles placed on the graves of veterans.

Cramahe Township Mayor, Mandy Martin who is also a member of the Colborne Legion was one of the volunteers.

“In this community we remember. These markings of events and people who have given for the betterment of the community runs deep here.”

“We don’t lose it – we keep it, we remember it. It comes from deep within. It’s not just a passing fancy or whim, it comes from the heart.”