Photo supplied.
Pictured is Legion Member John Dike who received the second highest award bestowed by the Royal Canadian Legion on its members at the November 4th Remembrance Day banquet. Called the Meritorious Service Medal, the award recognizes a military deed or activity that has been performed in a highly professional manner or in a
way that brings honour to the Canadian Forces.
Members of the Millbrook Legion are most visible on Remembrance Day, when they lead the community in a service of remembrance for those who have served and continue to serve our country in the armed services.
They also bring the community together for annual events celebrating Canada Day and New Year’s Day.
Members are also seen around town during the annual Poppy Campaign which runs from the end of October until Remembrance Day, when they sell poppies which are worn as a visual tribute to Canadian veterans and reminder of those who fought for our freedom. Funds raised in these campaigns are used directly in support of veterans and their families, through donations to veteran hospital wards, veteran support organizations such as Leave the Street Behind, and youth programs and bursaries.
Legions also help veterans and their families access support through Veterans Affairs Canada and support organizations and programs that help veterans transition to civilian life. One of the programs operating in Millbrook is Operation Vet Build run by Jason Salo.
Millbrook is one of 1,350 branches across Canada. With 250,000 members, the Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest veteran and community service organization, focussed on connecting us with our past, our present and our future. It began in 1926 as a group of current and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces and their families, it has since expanded to welcome all Canadians who seek to support our veterans. It includes a separate branch called the Ladies’ Auxiliary, whose first task was to help wounded veterans upon their return home. Today they continue to serve and are often found in the kitchen catering for legion events and private bookings.
Legion branches are places for people to gather and feel connected, whether it’s to play cards, darts or sit and enjoy a conversation or a BBQ lunch. They also serve as community centres hosting weddings, meetings, memorial services and private events.
Our branch is centrally located in town, with a club room, a hall, commercial kitchen and an outdoor patio. To keep the doors open in the historic building requires an annual expenditure of roughly $40,000. Funds are raised through ongoing events including BBQ lunches, dances and other activities including rentals. Last year the organization purchased a generator which will allow it to serve as an emergency centre in the event of an extensive power outage or other local emergency.
Youth programs hosted by the local legion include the annual Poster, Literary and Video Contests, which are nation-wide competitions encouraging youth to honour Canada’s veterans and foster a tradition of remembrance. In February they welcome public school children to compete in the annual public speaking contest hosted by the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
Drop into the legion to see their volunteers in action. They invite you to support them by attending an event, booking their facilities for your next gathering, or better yet, become a member yourself as a way to express your appreciation for the men and women who serve and have served our country. KG
