In October 2022, The Millbrook Times reported an initiative by the Royal Canadian Legion Millbrook, Branch 402, in partnership with Cavan Monaghan Township and the local BIA, to implement an Honour Our Veterans banner program in the village.
This program has been implemented in over 60 other communities across Canada and engages community members in honouring and remembering local veterans to ensure continued recognition and respect throughout future generations. The banners put faces to the veterans who served or are currently serving in the Canadian, Allied or Commonwealth Forces and have a tie to the area.
On Sunday, September 17th, 2023, the beginning of Legion Week across Canada, 15 banners ordered by local sponsors will be unveiled in a ceremony at the Millbrook Legion Branch 402 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Our thanks to Cavan Monaghan Township for the purchase and installation of the exhibit hardware as well as the mounting of the banners throughout the Millbrook downtown area during the week of September 17th and removal following Remembrance Day, November 11, 2023. Banners will be stored at the Legion for annual display.
The Legion will also be honouring our last living WWII veteran with his own banner at the unveiling. Bill Bellinger, who will turn 104 this August, served with the Irish Regiment of Canada in Italy during the war. Bill joined the Armed Forces at Fort York Armory in Toronto, was relocated to Britain in 1940 and finally Italy in November 1943. When he returned from the war, he worked for the Equipment Department of the City of Toronto until 1980 when he and his wife moved to their Bailieboro farm where he still resides today. His enthusiasm for life – and especially dancing – is well known and has won him many admirers and spread joy wherever he goes. Please join us to pay tribute to this very special veteran!
Updated applications to sponsor a banner can be accessed on the Legion website at www.millbrooklegion.com or on the Township website at www.cavanmonaghan.net/legionbannerprogram. The deadline for applications will be June 1, 2024!
By Deborah White-Hassell
