Please accept this invitation to attend the annual Hamilton & Scourge Naval Memorial Sunset Ceremony, Friday August 8, 2025 at Confederation Park Naval Memorial Garden.

The service runs from 6:00pm – 6:45pm. Parking is onsite at the Edgewater Pavilion. 

The event marks the loss of 53 sailors who went down with two United States schooners, USS Hamilton & USS Scourge, during the War of 1812, the single greatest loss of life on the Great Lakes during the war. Members of the American Legion in Canada form the Flag Party as part of the ceremony, which includes the story of the sinking by local historian Lieutenant Commander Robert Williamson RCN (rtd). Naval Cadets place flags and flowers at each stone. The singing of the national anthems will be performed by tenor Jason Hales, and music provided by bugler and piper.  

This year, the reproduction of the USS Hamilton’s ship’s boat will be onsite, with masts and sails. The boat’s builder, Gil Bibby will be on hand to provide remarks and answer questions.   

Directions to Confederation Park Naval Memorial Garden: Exit QEW and proceed north on route 20 (Centennial Parkway). Turn left onto Van Wagners Beach Road. Turn Right into Confederation Park on Confederation Drive. Proceed through the gates. Stay on Confederation Drive. The site is on the north side of the road. Parking is available near the Edge Water Pavilion. Site coordinates:  https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.2462222,-79.7546749,17z

Yours, Christopher Redford (he/him)

Co-ordinator, Heritage Presentation,

Hamilton Veterans Committee Staff Liaison

Tourism & Culture Division, City of Hamilton,

P.O. Box 2040 Hamilton, ON, L8P 4Y5

Phone: 905-973-4005

E-mail: christopher.redford@hamilton.ca