For many attending Tillsonburg’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Nov. 11, thoughts of friends and family were at the forefront.
Nov 11, 2025 • Last updated Nov 11, 2025 •
Matt Brinn, Tillsonburg Legion Branch 153 Sgt. at Arms, takes part in the town’s Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 11. Photo by Jacob Robinson
For many attending this year’s Remembrance Day ceremonies in Tillsonburg, memories of friends and family members were prominent.
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In partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies Auxiliary Branch 153, numerous residents gathered downtown on Tuesday to pay tribute to the courageous individuals who have served and are still serving their country.
“I’m very impressed and very grateful because it shows the respect that everybody has here in Tillsonburg for our veterans and our Canadian Armed Forces,” said Dianne Hodges, Legion Zone 2, B2 commander.
While distributing programs for the ceremony, Hodges held a photo of her late friend Bill Findley from Tillsonburg.
“I worked for him for over 30 years; he was like a second father to me,” an emotional Hodges recalled about Findley, a former legion president who served in Belgium, Holland, and France.
“I’m very grateful for his service.”
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Diane Hodges of the Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies Auxiliary Branch 153 shows a photo of her friend and veteran, the late Bill Findley, during Tillsonburg’s Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 11. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /POSTMEDIA
Branch 153 Sergeant-at-Arms Comrade Matt Brinn led a parade of veterans and service members to the downtown cenotaph for the ceremony. It featured performances of O’ Canada, The Last Post, God Save the King, along with wreath-laying to honor fallen comrades and local organizations.
A group of about 50 children from Sonbeam Christian Daycare joined in as observers.
“We bring them out every year,” said daycare administrator Cheryl Hodgson. “Each group made their own wreaths that we placed (near the ceremony). We explain to them about our soldiers and our freedom.”
Even though a biting wind swept through downtown that day, attendees remained steadfast during the event led by Rev. Paul Robinson and Rev. Karlene Brown-Palmer.
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Robinson reminded everyone present about thousands of Canadians lost in conflicts going back over a century.
“All of these we remember today,” he stated.
“(But) it’s not enough for us to simply remember. This is also a day of conviction where we resolve that those who have died defending freedom shall not have died in vain.” Brow-Palmer added: “Today we honour all who served in peace and war but especially those valiant Canadians who’ve died – they gave their tomorrows for our todays.”
The large turnout moved Paul Gratton-a veteran from Woodstock who served with armored corps in both Germany and Scotland as well as with Peace Corps in Vietnam-to tears.
“It’s fantastic how many people showed up today,” said Gratton whose grandfather fought in World War I while his father participated in World War II.
Gratton’s father Ronald originally hails from Kirkland Lake before moving to London Ontario; he survived being shot near war’s end with a wooden bullet.
“I really appreciate everyone coming here today,” he continued. “I know my dad would really appreciate it too.”
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Diane Hodges of the Royal Canadian Legion and Ladies Auxiliary Branch 153 shows a photo of her friend and veteran, the late Bill Findley, during Tillsonburg’s Remembrance Day ceremony Nov. 11. Photo by JACOB ROBINSON /POSTMEDIA
Branch 153 Sergeant-at-Arms Comrade Matt Brinn led a parade of veterans and service members to the downtown cenotaph for the ceremony. It featured performances of O’ Canada, The Last Post, God Save the King, along with wreath-laying to honor fallen comrades and local organizations.
A group of about 50 children from Sonbeam Christian Daycare joined in as observers.
“We bring them out every year,” said daycare administrator Cheryl Hodgson. “Each group made their own wreaths that we placed (near the ceremony). We explain to them about our soldiers and our freedom.”
Even though a biting wind swept through downtown that day, attendees remained steadfast during the event led by Rev. Paul Robinson and Rev. Karlene Brown-Palmer.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Robinson reminded everyone present about thousands of Canadians lost in conflicts going back over a century.
“All of these we remember today,” he stated.“(But) it’s not enough for us to simply remember. This is also a day of conviction where we resolve that those who have died defending freedom shall not have died in vain.” Brow-Palmer added: “Today we honour all who served in peace and war but especially those valiant Canadians who’ve died – they gave their tomorrows for our todays.”
The large turnout moved Paul Gratton-a veteran from Woodstock who served with armored corps in both Germany and Scotland as well as with Peace Corps in Vietnam-to tears.
“It’s fantastic how many people showed up today,” said Gratton whose grandfather fought in World War I while his father participated in World War II.
Gratton’s father Ronald originally hails from Kirkland Lake before moving to London Ontario; he survived being shot near war’s end with a wooden bullet.
“I really appreciate everyone coming here today,” he continued. “I know my dad would really appreciate it too.”
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