Congratulations to Legion on 75 Years
Monday marked the beginning of a new year, 2001; some would say it was the actually the beginning of the new millennium. However you feel about that, there is one fact that is certain. Monday marked the beginning of the 75th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. Legions all across Canada will be spending the year marking this milestone in history. It is an important anniversary for the Legion because it may be the last big bash for many of our honoured veterans. Sadly, the numbers are ever diminishing and sadly, some of those who are still with us are not enjoying the best of health. Ingersoll’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 119 is certainly going to be doing its share to celebrate the occasion and at the same time honour these veterans and thank them for their sacrifices of so many years ago. I am not a Legion member, but I will always do anything I can that will pay homage to our veterans. We owe them our lives, our way of living, our freedom and our part of history. Last year I was asked to sit on a committee comprised of representatives of all eight Legions within Zone B2. It has been an interesting committee with various Branches and reps bringing some very different views. These views have been exchanged freely and listened to courteously. The result is that in Beachville, Tillsonburg, Thamesford, Woodstock, Ingersoll and Norwich there will be some very interesting events taking place. One of the greatest ideas I heard of came from Mike, from the Woodstock Branch, who suggested a series of "play ---- with a veteran" events. These events could range from a golf tournament to a euchre tournament. The big push will be on to get all veterans, not just Legion members, participating. I truly hope this project works out and I’m anxious to see which Branches are hosting which events. There is also talk of an elegant ball and of a zone picnic. On New Years Day, six of the eight Branches within the Zone hosted a levee to officially mark the beginning of the year of celebrations. As I write this I am really looking forward to attending these. Deputy District Commander Bob Sivyer, who sits on the same committee, says it is imperative we visit all the Legions who agreed to our request – so visit them we will. Since I have never ever attended one, it will be a brand new experience. Another thing that is happening is a special publication to honour the occasion. We have been interviewing and taking photos at different branches to prepare for this special April edition. What an honour to talk to so many veterans about their experiences. I hope there are many more events than what I have listed here. I hope Legion members get the recognition they deserve throughout this year and I hope that other veterans will join them for this special occasion. The Ingersoll Branch, like all other Branches, puts thousands of dollars back into the community every year. Minor sports teams, charitable organization and the Christmas assistance program are just a few who benefit from their work. Too often, a Legion is still – very unfairly – seen as a place where people go to drink – period. Maybe this year of celebration will make people realize just what the Legion does do, not only for veterans and their families, but for the entire community. Congratulations Royal Canadian Legion! Reprinted with permission from Yvonne Holmes Mott and the Ingersoll Times
Royal Canadian Legion branches in the Ingersoll area held New Year's levees on Monday to officially kick off
the organizations 75th anniversary celebrations in 2001. Here, from left, Branch 119 (Ingersoll) president Jean Uncer,
deputy district commander Bob Sivyer, Ingersoll Mayor Mike Hennessy and Chief Bruce Richards of the Ingersoll
Police Service were among those enjoying the festivities in Ingersoll Monday.
By YVONNE HOLMES MOTT For The Ingersoll Times Monday, January 01, 2001 marked the beginning of 75th anniversary celebrations for Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion across the country. This area was no exception, with six of the eight Legion Branches within the Zone B2, holding very successful New Year Day levees. At the Hillcrest Memorial Hall in Ingersoll, Branch 119 president Jean Uncer and executive member Verne Hambly greeted over 150 guests throughout the day. The Ingersoll Pipe Band performed in the morning. Included in the band’s offering was a rendition of Road to the Isles, dedicated to World War II veterans, Harry and Maisie Masters, who were celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary. Special guests included Mayor Mike Hennessy, Chief of Police Bruce Richards and MPP Ernie Hardeman. Bob Sivyer, Deputy District Commander, also started his tour of levees there. During the afternoon DJ Ken Lee presided over the music. Uncer termed the day "a real success". She added that aside from offering hospitality, good food and good entertainment, "The event accomplished what we had hoped; it brought Legion members and other members of the community together." The Ingersoll president noted that the 75th anniversary of the Legion is a very significant event. "We are at a turning point and we must gather support from younger people and make firm plans for the future. The Royal Canadian Legion is too important an organization to ever lose. Beachville Branch 495 was another busy place. President Murray Mitchell, along with vice president Ted Scott, was busy welcoming guests, including South West Oxford Mayor Peg Caffyn. A laden buffet table included a special 75th anniversary cake. Mitchell, pausing for a few moments between his hosting duties, told The Ingersoll Times he had great hopes for the 75th anniversary. "I really think the 75th anniversary should bring more people into the Legion" he stated. "The Legion really is a community thing. It is here. We help a number of clubs, a school and churches. It’s time for community members to get more involved with us; together we can do even more." Mitchell has been a Legion member for 28 years. His father and his grandfather were both in the armed services. "I was too young so this is my way of serving. There is still a lot we can do for veterans and their families – just the hospital visits alone mean a lot. I really believe in what the Legion does." The Beachville president says the 75th anniversary presents not only a time to remember the past, but a time to look forward to and plan for the future. "We welcome anyone in the community into this Legion." Thamesford Branch 557 opened its doors at noon for a levee. President Gerald Dayman was pleased with the number of people who turned up during the first hour and was looking forward to greeting many more throughout the afternoon. Uncer says there will be a number of events throughout the year to honour veterans and to celebrate the Legion’s 75th anniversary.
Ingersoll Times, January 3, 2001
Legion anniversary underway
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 495 in Beachville was among several area branches that held levees on Monday to kick off the organizations 75th anniversary celebrations.
