As the sun set on Nov. 9, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Royal Canadian Legion hall filled with veterans, community members and local officials for a special Veterans Dinner to honour those who served in both world wars.
The evening began with an opening ceremony, featuring “O Canada” and a blessing, followed by dinner. After a brief break, toasts were made to the king, fallen comrades, the Legion and guests.
The dinner continued with a presentation by Kathryn Jordan and concluded with the closing ceremony and “God Save the King.”
Among the evening’s highlights was Jordan’s heartfelt address. A retired teacher associated with the Legion through her father, John Jordan, and grandfather, Jordan shared her family’s deeply personal connection to military history.
She said her father, a young infantryman, landed on D-Day just days after his 20th birthday. He served with the Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.
Today, she is the keeper of her father’s military memorabilia.
“It’s important to remember,” Jordan told The Lake Report. “In today’s world, it’s more important than ever.”
Jordan frequently reflects on her father’s resilience, who, after witnessing the horrors of war, returned home to lead a life of service. His quiet dedication shaped him as both a father and a role model, she said.
Jordan often recalls her father’s reunion trips to Holland, France and Belgium, where he was warmly greeted by communities which still held memories of the soldiers who fought for their freedom.
“The people there remember because it was in their backyard,” she explained, referencing the grave realities of war that affected every family. “We need to somehow learn the lessons.”
“It’s up to us to continue the stories.”
Lord Mayor Gary Zalepa also attended the dinner. He noted Niagara-on-the-Lake’s long military history, which dates back to before Confederation, such as when Butler’s Barracks was built to serve as a military training camp for the armed forces.
Today, Legion Branch 124 plays an essential role in the community, not only honouring those who served — some of whom never returned — but also educating younger generations, said Zalepa.
“What the Legion does is really important to our community,” he said.
Through outreach efforts, especially in local schools, the Legion helps build awareness of the sacrifices made by veterans, ensuring this knowledge is passed down, he said.
Also in attendance was Andrea Kaiser, NOTL’s regional councillor.
“There’s always amazing camaraderie here, and it’s great to see familiar faces year after year,” said Kaiser. “I look forward to the services on Monday as well.”
The evening’s meal, prepared by chef Paul Dolby, began with an apple walnut salad drizzled with cider and honey dressing, followed by a roast sirloin with red wine sauce, garlic and olive oil mashed potatoes, and a mix of green beans, peppers, and candied carrots and squash.
Dolby, who has worked in renowned kitchens like the Buttery, said he was especially moved by the opportunity to honour veterans with his culinary skills.
“I was a Legion member. My parents were Legion members,” he said. “Some of these men and women are my friends. And others, we were in Air Cadets together.”
