A Remembrance Day ceremony in Sarnia, Ont., was disrupted Monday, police say, by the presence and arrest of multiple alleged members of an outlaw motorcycle gang.
Wreath bearers marched along the parade route to the cenotaph where the ceremony took place. Police say “several individuals who were not part of the procession inserted themselves into the wreath-laying line.”
“They were wearing clothing affiliated with an outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) and carrying a black wreath in their club colours,” police said in a statement.
The ceremony was hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, and registered organizations were invited to lay wreaths. These wreaths are part of Legion fundraising efforts, and are uniform in appearance so as to be respectful, police noted.
Organizers reportedly asked the individuals to leave and they refused to do so, and police were asked to intervene.
“These individuals subsequently refused police requests to leave, through the loud use of foul and abusive language, disrupting the solemnity of the Remembrance Day ceremony,” police said.
While officers removed the individuals to the road, the statement says, the behaviour continued and “as a result, it was necessary for the officers to arrest to individuals.”
Video of the incident posted online by Your TVSarnia appears to show two men in leather jackets with large insignia on the back of their jackets escorted through the crowd by three police officers in tactical gear, as a woman trails behind. One of the men appears to be carrying a black wreath and struggles against police, eventually being knocked to the ground. The woman, who was not wearing a motorcycle jacket, appears to struggle with an officer and is knocked to the ground. At least seven officers appear to be involved in the response.
A 64-year-old Sarnia man has been charged with causing a disturbance and breaching a court order, while a 46-year-old woman has been charged with resisting arrest and causing a disturbance. Both will appear in court at a future date.
The Sarnia Legion Branch 62 later posted a statement with a link to the national policy that says the wearing of outlaw motorcycle gang or club colours is prohibited by Royal Canadian Legion at Legion events and facilities because it is “contrary to the Legion’s Articles of Faith and disrespectful of the sacrifices made by our veterans.”
“It is important to acknowledge that motorcycle club members — such as the Legion Riders — do a lot of supportive work for the Legion and in communities across the country,” the statement reads. The statement goes on to say that all motorcycle riders are welcome at Legion branches and events but must remove colours beforehand.