June 8, 2023

TWO NATIONS TOGETHER — AGAINST WAR AT MACTIER DRUMHEAD SERVICE SUNDAY

MACTIER — It was a simple salute that could have gone unnoticed amid the pomp and circumstance of another legion remembrance.

But a symbolic salutation that stood for all that is good about Canada and the service day to come.

After taking the official salute in a parade march-past on MacTier’s main street Sunday, District E Commander Rick Preston raised his right arm and white-gloved hand to his forehead as he approached the recently new Branch 507 cenotaph.

A gesture that seemed to catch the Moose Deer Point drummers standing around their drum in front a bit off guard.

One of them hastilly responded in kind to the unscripted address with an albeit less crisp, but mutually respectful salute.

**District E Commander Rick Preston gives and receives a mutually respectful salute from a Moose Deer Point drummer at the start of Sunday afternoon’s Drumhead service in MacTier.**

The exchange symbolized the heart of the “Drumhead Service,” a centuries-old battlefield show of respect. A solemn celebration that “pays homage to comrades who offered their lives in defence of our country.”

One not lost on about 100 veterans, Royal Canadian Legion members, Bracebridge Pioneer Army Cadets and regular forces members from Canadian Forces Base Borden, a DE pipe and drum band from Angus — and maybe three dozen members of the public.

But that special salute signified the start of an afternoon partnership and recognition of all “enlisted MacTier and area” residents who fought for community and country.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous brothers and sisters.

Two nations together, not at war — but against war.

MacTier legion president and District E5 commander Bruce Henn, left, veteran rep Sheila Clayton and District E Commander Rick Preston take the salate on MacTier’s main street at the start of the parade.

After a drum circle chant by the Good Spirit drummers and with the formal parade party at attention — with spectators at ease — Moose Deer First Nation elder Shirley Lovett performed a smudging ceremony.

Keira Richard, wearing a bright orange ‘Every Child Matters’ t-shirt, passed around the ceremonial medicinal smudging pot to allow everyone to wash themselves in the smoke and to cleanse and connect with the spirit and Creator.

Then following the skirl of the pipes, the drummers piled their bass drum and snares in a three-layer altar upon which the colour guard’s legion and Canadian flags were ceremoniously draped.

Preston and Sheila Clayton, representing veterans, laid a wreath at the cenotaph. Bugler Dave Burgess was on deck playing God Save the King, O Canada, the Last Post and reveille. A piper played the lament.

The colours withdrawn, the drums remounted, the parade marshal dismissed all parties and Shawanaga dancer Salina Nichol performed a native dance, accompanied by the Good Spirit Drummers.

The troops then repaired into the branch for lunch and libations.

Another tradition kept alive with battlefield respect and recognition honoured once more.

O Canada, what a day it was.