Commemorating Courage On September 15, 2024, a dedication ceremony was held at the historic Old St. Thomas Church. The dedication was a heartfelt tribute to eight veterans of the War of 1812 and a celebration of the cemetery’s new status as a United Empire Loyalists (UE) Burial Ground. The London & Western District Branch of the United Empire Loyalists Association (UELAC) led the effort, partnering with The Graveside Project to secure plaques marking these veterans’ graves. A brass band played as local dignitaries, including St. Thomas Mayor, Joe Preston, laid wreaths, while members of the Masonic Lodge, the local legion, and re-enactors from the War of 1812 filled the grounds with a sense of history and respect. This ceremony was also part of the 200th anniversary celebration of the Old St. Thomas Church. The primary aim of the event was twofold: to commemorate veterans and to preserve local Loyalist history, as explained by Vanessa Warner, UE, the Branch Genealogist: “One of the chief aims of UELAC is to preserve the history of the Loyalists. The parent organization has had a national project to mark the burial grounds where Loyalists are buried. Since this year was the 200th anniversary of the church, it was time.” Captain Daniel Rapelje, one of the key figures honoured at the ceremony, holds a significant place in local history as the founder of St. Thomas. His bravery during the War of 1812 cemented his legacy. On August 30, 1814, Rapelje led a troop of Middlesex Militia and ambushed a party of 70 American Rangers. This successful operation not only saved prisoners from Oxford Militia but also highlighted the strategic importance of local militia forces during the war. “Rapelje also
donated the land the Old English Church and Cemetery sit on,” Vanessa mentions. Another key figure honoured was Captain William Drake, UE, a United Empire Loyalist who served with the Norfolk Militia
REMEMBRANCE DAY Lest We Forget
WE REMEMBER St. Thomas Fire Department
Karen Vecchio, MP ELGIN—MIDDLESEX—LONDON KAREN.VECCHIO@PARL.GC.CA KARENVECCHIOMP.CA • 519-637-2255
“The living owe it to those who no longer can speak to tell their story for them.” Czesław Miłosz
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
Thomas Campbell
www.williamsfuneralhomeltd.com 45 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519) 631-0850 Allan, Matt and Ali Hughson & Staff
1026 Talbot St, St Thomas • 519-631-8428 www.elgincarpetonesaintthomas.com
Page 14 Hometown St. Thomas • November 2024
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