(Wingham, Ontario) — Once again, the Canadian flag at the cenotaph has been left in a state of disgrace.
This time, it is flying upside down — an internationally recognized signal of distress.
NOTE: There is a council meeting tonight, 271 Frances Street. Arrive 5:30 for the 6pm meeting.
“Several observers said the image felt chilling, as if the Fallen themselves were sending a message that something is deeply wrong.”
According to observers, the top grommet on the flag has let go after town staff failed to properly address an earlier incident where the flag became wrapped around the pole and roller mechanism. Rather than being promptly repaired or replaced, the damage was ignored. The predictable result is what residents woke up to: a torn attachment point and a flag inverted by gravity and neglect.
This is not an accident.
This is municipal indifference made visible.
The cenotaph is not decorative street furniture. It is sacred ground — a memorial to Canadians who served, suffered, and died under that flag. Allowing it to fly upside down due to inaction is not merely sloppy maintenance; it is institutional disrespect.
A Pattern, Not an Isolated Incident
This is not the first time concerns about the cenotaph and civic respect have been raised. Residents have previously brought issues directly to council, only to be met with deflection, delay, or outright refusal to act. Those encounters culminated on December 15, when council crossed a line — dismissing public concern instead of addressing it.
That refusal has consequences.
When elected officials ignore repeated warnings, the resulting failure belongs to them.
Silence Is a Decision
Council cannot claim ignorance.
They cannot claim this “just happened.”
They were told. They were warned. They chose not to act.
An upside-down flag at a cenotaph is not symbolic art or political commentary — it is a visible marker of failure. Failure to maintain. Failure to respect. Failure to listen.
And the symbolism is unavoidable: a nation’s flag, inverted, above a memorial — while those responsible look the other way.
Message to Council
Let this be unmistakably clear:
You crossed the line on December 15.
On January 12, we push you back into your place.
Not with chaos.
Not with anger.
But with cameras, questions, presence, and the lawful exercise of democratic rights.
The people will show up.
The people will document.
And the people will no longer accept neglect dressed up as governance.
Fix the flag.
Respect the memorial.
Or accept the judgment that comes with refusing to do your job.
Because a country in distress deserves leaders who recognize the signal — not ones who leave it flapping in the wind.
North Huron Council Contact Info:
Paul Heffer
280 Manor Road
(519) 357-3594
[email protected]
Mitch Wright
63 Bristol Terrace
(519) 357-9497
[email protected]
Lonnie Whitfield
94 John St. West
(226) 222-2585
[email protected]
Anita van Hittersum
84012 Hoover Line
(519) 523-4492
[email protected]
Chris Palmer
39331 Belfast Road
(519) 357-3385
[email protected]
Kevin Fascist Falconer
303 King Street
(519) 955-0301
[email protected]
Ric McBurney
202 Thuell St, Blyth
(519) 441-7415
[email protected]
