Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80 hosted its annual Drumhead Service at Lakeview Cemetery in Midland, Sunday afternoon,
"This powerful tradition reminds us of the immense sacrifice made by so many to protect our freedoms," Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop said. "As we reflect on their service, we also recognize the importance of remembering their legacy and ensuring it lives on in our communities. Lest we forget."
The Drumhead Service is steeped in history, according to the Royal Canadian Legion.
For centuries, soldiers about to go into battle asked for divine help and guidance in what were known to be difficult times ahead.
Because of the distances to be covered, and lacking any means of transport to take the soldiers to church, the regimental padre conducted the service in the field.
This called for a platform upon which he could place his bible and other pieces of equipment he required to conduct a formal service.
Lacking any other altar, the regimental drums were put into service by stacking them in layers, which then served as a temporary altar.
It was in the 1700s that the first recorded use of the Drumhead for this purpose was documented. Like many things military, it soon became a tradition.
When Canada formed her first regiment in the 1800s, the practice was continued and still remains a part of Canada's military tradition. It was used not only for religious services — it also became the table for court martial hearings in the field.
Following the First World War, the British Empire Service League adopted the Drumhead Service in order to foster and keep alive a centuries-old tradition.
The Royal Canadian Legion continues this tradition today by conducting a Drumhead Service to pay homage to those comrades who offered their lives in defence of their country.
