HISTORY of the DRUMHEAD CEREMONY

HISTORY of the
DRUMHEAD CEREMONY
F
Piling or Stacking of the Drums
or 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 1700's 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 1800's, the practice was
continued and still remains a part of Canada's
ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS
military tradition. It was
used not only for religious services - it also
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
became the table for
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
court martial hearings
in the field.
Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe,
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 of our
comrades who offered
their lives in defence of
our country.
Forward into battle, see His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
Onward then, ye people, join our happy throng.
Blend with ours your voices in the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honour unto Christ the King,
This through countless ages men and angels sing.
Onward Christian soldiers, marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus going on before.
1300 HRS - Fall in at John & Bond Sts.
1315 HRS - Move off to Cenotaph
LAYING of WREATHS
LAST POST
LAMENT
ROUSE
ACT of REMEMBRANCE - Padre Brian Webber
GREETINGS from the GOVERNMENT of CANADA - MP Jamie Schmale
GREETINGS from the GOVERNMENT of ONTARIO - MPP Laurie Scott
GREETINGS from the CITY of KAWARTHA LAKES - Mayor Andy Letham
~ DRUMHEAD SERVICE ~
INVOCATION and SCRIPTURE READING
Padre Brian Webber and Maj. Roy Randell
Parade reforms for Drumhead Service
HYMN: ONWARD CHRISTAN SOLDIERS
(Words on back page)
District ‘F’ Chairman Jim Connell:
Sgt-at-Arms - Advance Colours
INTRODUCTION of GUEST SPEAKER
District Commander Buck Buchanan
Parade Marshall turns parade over to Chairman Jim Connell
GUEST SPEAKER ADDRESS
Ontario Command 1st Vice President Sharon McKeown
LEGION OPENING CEREMONY
District F Commander Robert “Buck” Buchanan
NATIONAL ANTHEM
INTRODUCTION of GUESTS
District Commander Buck Buchanan
WELCOME from BRANCH 238
President Fred Walker
WELCOME from ONTARIO COMMAND
1st Vice President Sharon McKeown
WELCOME from ZONE F-4
F-4 Zone Commander John Sherman
WELCOME from ZONE F-4 LADIES AUXILIARY
F-4 LA Zone Commander Marilyn LaMarche
WORD of THANKS to GUEST SPEAKER
Deputy District Commander Don Ramsey
PRAYER of REMEMBRANCE and THANKSGIVING
Padre Brian Webber
BENEDICTION
Chairman turns parade over to Parade Marshall for the
UNPILING of the DRUMS
CLOSING CEREMONY - Deputy District Commander Don Ramsey
THE ROYAL ANTHEM
RETIRE COLOURS
MARCH PAST and PARADE
Salute taken by Sharon McKeown, Ontario Command
and District Commander Buck Buchanan