Hamilton Veterans Committee Chair, retired Major Mike Rehill, reflected on the significance of this year’s commemoration following the passing of the last World War II veterans of Hamilton’s infantry regiments.
Major Rehill opened this year’s commemoration by noting the passing of Gerald (Gerry) Wagner, the last known WWII veteran of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry, and Tony Mastromatteo, the last known WWII veteran of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada.
I asked him about this milestone following the ceremony.
Here is the transcript.
Joey Coleman: You noted that this is our first ceremony following the passing of the final two World War Two veterans of our infantry regiments here in town, the Argylls and the Rileys. What meaning does that carry for you as the chair of the committee?
Major Mike Rehill (Retired): Well, I have a very long history with veterans. When I was a thirteen year old bugler, I played the last post for Boer War veterans. And the Boer War was 1899 So my whole military career, military music career has been dedicated to the observance of veterans. So it has a very significant meaning to me, because there simply won’t be any more veterans here on Remembrance Day of the Second World War.
Joey Coleman: For the community at large, what meaning does it carry in terms of these ceremonies and the traditions?
Major Mike Rehill (Retired): We will remember them and hopefully the ceremonies will continue on, regardless of the fact that we’ve lost our Greatest Generation because we still have veterans from Korean War and from Afghanistan.
Joey Coleman: Anything that you wish to add?
Major Mike Rehill (Retired): Thank you for coming out, and I hope everybody spent some time today commemorating the sacrifice of Canadians.
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: November 11, 2025
Last updated: November 11, 2025
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version