A banner commemorating one of the town’s best-known veterans, Donald “Tuffy” MacDougall, was unveiled at a 75th anniversary celebration for Harriston Legion Branch 296 on Aug. 16.
To commemorate the anniversary, Legion officials decided to honour past and present Canadian Forces members with personalized commemorative banners hung on light standards on the town’s main street.
Veterans and/or their families were contacted regarding the opportunity to have names enshrined on a banner.
The banners will be on display for the month of October and until after Nov. 11 each year for three years and then will be retired and returned to the family or sponsors.
At Saturday’s unveiling, Branch 296 president Terry Fisk said 15 of the banners will be put up this year, and more may be added in the future.
MacDougall, a Second World War veteran who participated in the Normandy campaign, was selected as the first to be commemorated on a banner.
Fisk noted the choice was unanimous.
“When I was growing up he was ‘Mr. Legion’ in town and I think he would still be considered ‘Mr. Legion’ for Branch 296,” said Fisk.
MacDougall, who passed away in 2007, was a long-time Harriston town foreman and a constant presence at Remembrance Day services at local cenotaphs and schools.
He was also well known for his community work, including his annual participation, spanning decades, in the Harriston Lions Walk for Guide Dogs, a fundraiser for which he brought in thousands of dollars.
Minto Mayor George Bridge, also a member of Branch 296, remembered MacDougall as “a great member of the Legion.
“Tuffy would get us out on the parades and really make us work,” recalled Bridge who said he hopes to see the banner project continue to grow.
“It’s just a great project and we hope this is just a small start,” he stated.
Garry MacDougall, one of numerous family members to attend the unveiling, said the Legion was an important part of his father’s life and he would have appreciated the tribute.
“He was Legion for sure,” said Garry.
The 75th anniversary celebration, which a featured a corn roast and historical displays, was attended by many community and Legion members, including local veterans Cliff Johnston, Glen Tomlin and Laurens Beukema.
