Sarnia police say individuals wearing clothing affiliated with an outlaw motorcycle gang tried to lay wreaths at the city's Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday.
During the downtown event hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion, at Veterans Park, registered organizations and individuals were invited to lay green wreaths at the Cenotaph.
Police said the wreaths are part of the fundraising done by the Legion to host these events, and it ensures they're respectful and uniform in their appearance.
Once the bearers formed a line to lay their wreaths, it's alleged the suspects inserted themselves into the wreath laying line.
Police said they were wearing clothing affiliated with an outlaw motorcycle gang and carrying a black wreath in their club colours.
Legion members asked them to leave but they allegedly refused and officers were asked to intervene.
In a media release, police said the suspects refused, through the loud use of foul and abusive language, disrupting the solemnity of the Remembrance Day ceremony.
Police quickly moved them to the roadway where their disruptive behavior continued, and they were each taken into custody.
Arthur Shura, 64, of Sarnia has been charged with causing a disturbance and breaching a court order. Karen Pelkie, 46, of Sarnia has been charged with causing a disturbance, and resisting arrest.
Both suspects were released with conditions and will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Sarnia on December 12.
Charges against the accused have not been proven in court.
Sarnia Legion Branch 62 posted a statement on its Facebook page on Monday.
"The Royal Canadian Legion has instituted a national policy that states the wearing of OMC (Outlaw Motorcycle Club) or street gang colours is not permitted at Legion events and premises, as this is contrary to the Legion’s Articles of Faith and disrespectful of the sacrifices made by our Veterans," read the statement. "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. All motorcycle riders are still welcome at Legion branches and events, but the new policy means outlaw motorcycle members would need to remove their colours first."
