Rockwood’s Graham brothers honoured for WWII service

ROCKWOOD – It’s never too late to honour veterans for their service. 

Veteran Alex Graham and his late brothers Hughie and Wally were recognized with Certificates of Service by Guelph/Eramosa Township on July 18.  

The brothers grew up in Rockwood and each served in the Second World War.

Township officials say the certificate was presented by Mayor Chris White “in recognition of the faithful and devoted service to our country displayed by Alex and his brothers.”

About 40 people attended the event, which White described as “a very upbeat, positive gathering.” 

“I think the family and friends were just really proud of him,” he added. 

There aren’t many Second World War veterans left, White said, so it’s important to honour those who are still around. 

“To have someone who grew up in Rockwood still with us, and still happy and still buzzing around – we were thrilled to give him this recognition,” White said.

“We’re hoping he comes to Remembrance Day this year.”

White added, “we used to have Mrs. (Sytske) Drijber,” a Rockwood resident who also served in the Second World War and died in 2023 at the age of 103. 

Graham said he and his brothers were not trying to be representatives of Rockwood’s veterans – “we only want to be a part of them and go into history with what we all contributed in WWII.” 

White said the township has “always been big supporters of our veterans, and I’m very proud of the work that we do.” 

He described Graham as a “wonderful man” who “spoke fondly of his days in Rockwood – his youth.” 

Rockwood was a different place when the Graham brothers grew up there – the population was between 500 and 600 and there was no conservation area or fences around the stream – “they just went out and lived life in the woods as kids in the summer,” White said. “It was a little paradise for them.” 

White and township  clerk Trennon Wint said an Advertiser article helped bring Graham’s story to the forefront. 

Graham was interviewed by amateur documentarian Zach Dunn in March, as part of Dunn’s efforts to collect and preserve veterans’ stories. After hearing Graham grew up in Rockwood, Dunn contacted the local newspaper and connected a reporter there with the then 103-year-old veteran for an interview. 

Graham shared his story, including crossing the Atlantic to move to Canada from Ireland with his family in 1927, his childhood in Rockwood, his time in the Royal Canadian Air Force after enlisting in 1942, and his experience getting back up in the air and flying a plane in 2025, at 102 years old. 

Graham said his oldest brother Hughie trained new recruits to operate tanks at Camp Borden, and his brother Wally spent a lot of time in the army on the front lines. 

The July 18 ceremony took place at the Rockwood Older Adults Centre and included a recognition of the veterans’ service, remarks from White and a formal presentation of the Certificate of Service. 

Graham called the certificate “wonderful” and thanked White and everyone else who made the day possible. 

Community members and guests attended to celebrate and preserve the legacy of those who served, officials say.

Light refreshments were served following the presentation and there was an opportunity for family, friends, members of council and the community to visit and reflect together.