Rededication ceremony planned for Chatham cenotaph this weekend

The Cenotaph in Chatham is set to be rededicated this weekend. CTV Windsor’s Chris Campbell explains why.

A downtown landmark that honours Chatham’s military history will be rededicated this weekend during a parade and public ceremony.

The rededication of the Chatham Cenotaph is scheduled for Sunday morning, beginning with a march from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 at 10:30 a.m. along William and King streets. The parade will include a pipe band, colour guard, police and fire honour guards, and for the first time a First World War re-enactment group with horses.

“We’ve got the provincial president, Comrade Lynn McLellan, coming from Ontario Command,” said Legion president Len Maynard. “To have a First World War re-enactment group on parade … that should really bring it home to the public, and we hope to educate the public again about what Memorial Square is. A lot of history here.”

Maynard noted the cenotaph was erected after the First World War, but the area known as Memorial Square also played a role in the War of 1812, including the Battle of McGregor’s Mill.

In recent years, the cenotaph fell victim to vandals. In response, security cameras and new fencing were installed.

“This is sacred ground to veterans,” he said. “To see this kind of dedication going on, and the public coming out, it just brings it home to the vets.”

Maynard called the event a milestone for the cenotaph and praised community support, saying, “Bravo Zulu to the community. They’ve always been good. We hope to have a really good parade and educate the public at the same time.”

JP Presley, first vice-president of Branch 642, said the event is about honouring those who served while also looking forward.

“I think it’s great,” Presley said. “We’re here to support our veterans and support anybody who needs help in the community. I think it’s going to be fantastic, and I hope we get a really good turnout.”

Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff said the rededication follows ongoing efforts to restore cenotaphs across the municipality.

“We’re excited to rededicate it,” Canniff said. “The importance, the symbolism of what that is, is huge for our community and for the country. I’m really looking forward to the celebration on Sunday.”

Canniff added that last year’s Remembrance Day ceremony in Chatham drew a record crowd despite cold weather, and he expects even more people this weekend.

The parade will return to the Legion following a wreath-laying and short service at the cenotaph.