BRAMPTON, ON (December 21, 2021) – Last night, Mayor Patrick Brown awarded Henry F. Verschuren CD with the Key to the City in recognition for his outstanding achievements and contributions as the City of Brampton Parade Commander, and Government and Community Liaison for Royal Canadian Legion Major William Dwight Sharpe Branch 15.
Verschuren has been involved in Remembrance Day activities in Brampton since the 1970s. He took on a leadership role as the City of Brampton’s Parade Commander in 1997 and has been front and centre ever since. As Liaison, he works with 139 Sea Cadets and 557 Lorne Scots Army Cadets. He also works with all four cadet corps that Branch 15 sponsors.
Through his unwavering commitment to remembrance and Brampton’s veterans, Verschuren has worked to make Remembrance Day events inclusive, remove barriers to participation and was vital in the creation of new traditions like the City of Brampton’s banner project, the restoration of The Veteran statue, the installation of the Memorial Book into the Cenotaph, and the unveiling of the Afghanistan Honours on the Brampton Cenotaph.
Verschuren is the recipient of the Canadian Decoration, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, The Sovereign’s Medal, The Minister of Veteran Affairs Commendation, and several legion medals. He has also received the City of Brampton’s Long Term Volunteer Service Award for 35+ years of service.
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton said, “It is my absolute honour to present Henry F. Verschuren with the key to the city. Henry’s years of service to the city and Brampton’s veterans are truly commendable. Through his advocacy and passion, he has worked to transform Brampton’s Remembrance Day celebration into an award-winning service that is inclusive, accessible and one of the few in Canada that conduct a March Past, Roll Past, and Fly Past in the same Parade. Thank you, Henry, for your ongoing commitment to Brampton.”
Henry F. Verschuren said CD said, “Receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Brown is truly an honour. It’s overwhelming to hear the long list of achievements and accomplishments over the years, because to me it has never felt like work. I have always considered myself to be part of a team, and the teams I have worked with over the years have been exceptional. Being a member of the Lorne Scots for 50 years, a Long-Term City of Brampton Volunteer for more than 35 years, and advocating for veterans is truly my passion. I am proud to be able to speak on behalf of our veterans to show my continued gratitude for their service, and as a lifelong Bramptonian, this really means a lot to me. Thank you.”
About Henry F Verschuren CD
Henry F. Verschuren CD joined the Pipes and Drums of the Lorne Scots (Peel, Dufferin and Halton Regiment) 50 years ago as a volunteer and became Lead Drummer in 1975. From there, he went on to become drum major, instructor, composer and Director of Music. He is a Life Member of the Regimental Association of The Lorne Scots and their Government and Community Liaison. He is also on the Board of Directors for The Regimental Museum of The Lorne Scots.
About the Key to the City
The Key to the City is a symbolic honour that the City of Brampton bestows upon a highly valued member of the community, or a celebrated or dignified guest of the City, who has made an impact on the lives of people living in Brampton. It is presented at the discretion of the Mayor.
