COURTNEY McCLURE, for The Standard
UXBRIDGE: A Remembrance Day parade will be held at Elgin Park in November, but not in the conventional way.
Since Covid-19 struck, events all over Durham Region have been practising social distancing and other measures, to ensure the health and safety of other people. In Uxbridge this is no different.
Two members of the Uxbridge Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170, Tish and Mike MacDonald came up with the idea of a drive-by parade for local veterans.
Mr. and Ms. MacDonald have been active members within the Uxbridge Legion and community remembrance events for many years. Ms. MacDonald is also the Program Administrator of the Uxbridge ‘Honour our Veterans’ Banner Program.
The drive-by parade was supported by the president of the legion, Sherrill Hodgson, Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton, and Uxbridge Councillor Bruce Garrod.
“Hosting an event such as this allows the community the opportunity to honour and thank our veterans,” stated Ms. MacDonald.
The veterans involved will be socially distancing, in Elgin Park. The community of Uxbridge and surrounding areas are invited to decorate their cars and drive by, and wave to the veterans as they pass. People wishing to attend are asked to enter Elgin Park, off Elgin Park Drive, and follow a specified route throughout the park. Participants are to stay inside their car as they pay tribute to the veterans.
There will be a few Uxbridge Legion Honour Guard members and a small group of Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drum players. Three military vehicles will be on display from the Ontario Regiment Museum.
Although the number of veterans has not been confirmed yet, Ms. MacDonald said they are hoping at least 15 or 20 will attend the ceremony. Active service personnel will be in attendance as well.
“As Canadians, we should be very proud of the service and sacrifice our veterans have made,” she said.
Ms. MacDonald explained, Canadian veterans are very humble, and she hopes they will stand proud as they receive the honour and recognition they deserve. By participating in this event, the community can take part in the action of remembrance.
The drive-by parade will take place on November 8th, starting at 1 p.m. in Elgin Park.