SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX — The Glencoe & District Historical Society will host a special memorial service at Willey Cemetery on Sunday, July 26 at 2 p.m., recognizing two early military veterans whose lives helped shape the history of the region.
The ceremony will take place at Willey Cemetery, 5267 Gentleman Dr., just off Thames Road, where the cemetery will be formally recognized as a United Empire Loyalist (UEL) Burial Ground. During the service, commemorative plaques will be installed in honour of Corporal John Phillips, UEL, who served in the 2nd Battalion, New Jersey Volunteers during the American Revolutionary War, and his son, Sergeant Peter Phillips, of the 1st Regiment Oxford Militia, a veteran of the War of 1812.
According to Harold Carruthers, UEL Historian with the Glencoe & District Historical Society, the event highlights a little-known chapter of local history.
“There were very few Revolutionary War veterans that settled here after the war in 1783 and were buried in our local cemeteries,” Carruthers said. “We did have a battle at Battle Hill near Woodgreen during the War of 1812, and there are also very few veterans from that conflict buried here in Southwest Middlesex.”
Carruthers noted that the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada (UELAC) installs a special plaque at cemeteries where a verified Loyalist burial has been identified, while the Government of Canada also recognizes confirmed War of 1812 veterans with a granite memorial marker at their graves.
“If you want to see a little bit of Canadian history, spend a day at Willey Cemetery with us,” Carruthers said.
The memorial service will include the laying of wreaths, recognition of veterans, and a volley salute by historical re-enactors. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Following the ceremony, refreshments and fellowship will be held at the Glencoe Legion, Branch 219, 156 McRae St., Glencoe.
For more information, contact Harold Carruthers at
519-857-2973 or 519-287-3897.
