Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown awards veteran advocate Key to the City

Henry F. Verschuren CD is recognized for his 'outstanding achievements'

Thestar.com
Dec. 24, 2021
Clarrie Feinstein

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown awarded Henry F. Verschuren CD with the Key to the City on Dec. 20 in recognition for his “outstanding achievements and contributions” for the city.

Verschuren is the City of Brampton parade commander, and government and community liaison for Royal Canadian Legion Major William Dwight Sharpe Branch 15.

He 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 also a life member of the Regimental Association of The Lorne Scots and their Government and Community Liaison and is on the board of directors for The Regimental Museum of The Lorne Scots.

According to the city, 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. As liaison, he works with 139 Sea Cadets and 557 Lorne Scots Army Cadets.

The city also noted that Verschuren began 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.

“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,” Brown said in a statement. “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.”

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 more than 35 years of service.

“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,” Verschuren said in a statement.

“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.”

The Key to the City is a symbolic honour that the City of Brampton gives to a “highly valued member of the community” who has made an impact on the lives of people living in Brampton.