“Remembrance Day is the one time of year we get to remember the sacrifices made for our freedom,” said Jim Woodward, president of the Kamsack Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, as he delivered a speech to those in attendance.
“Kamsack branch has two Second World War Veterans left. We as a Legion are dedicated to strengthen our membership for survival. No military affiliation is required and we always welcome volunteers.
“We have nine RCMP officers holding a membership and we encourage the rest to take advantage of their first year free. This also applies to the air cadets who have aged out.”
Acknowledging all in attendance, he paid tribute to the air cadets’ parents who prepared the meal, and thanked the cadets for their continued support throughout the past year.
“Tonight, I will present each cadet with a Legion Certificate of Appreciation for their highly appreciated community support over the last year,” Woodward said. “They carried out everything from cleaning the Legion and cenotaphs to working bingos. They partook in Decoration Day and Remembrance Day, and got to partake in crossing the beach (Juno Beach in France) that our Veterans fought for.
Woodward then announced that the Legionnaire of the year award for outstanding Legionnaire was to be presented to Karen Tourangeau.
Rick Aikman was introduced as the guest speaker. He addressed those in attendance about how the Second World War and post-war had affected him.
He brought with him a slide presentation of photos that he and his wife, Sue, had taken when they had travelled to France and followed in the footsteps of the Canadian troops’ advance through Normandy, June 6 to August 21, 1944 when the Normandy Campaign ended.
He discussed how Canadians had been there fighting in Afghanistan from 2000 to 2011, where 157 Canadian lives were lost.
The Aikmans had also travelled to Vimy Ridge and he shared his photographic slides of that trip. “We punch above our weight as a country when we work together,” he said.
“I enjoyed Rick’s presentation,” Said Milena Hollett, after the banquet. “It was a good overall highlight about Canadians, and how Canadians are so well-respected around the world.”
Nancy Brunt, mayor, brought greetings from the Town of Kamsack.
A happy 94th birthday was wished for Erla Rudd.
“It has been 100 years since the end of the First World War, and 75 years since the Italian campaign,” said Woodward. “In 2021 we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the poppy, and in 2026 the 100th anniversary of our legion,” he concluded.
The toast to the Queen was given, God Save the Queen was sung, and piper Keri Lindsay led the march off the head table.
Garry Moriarty was the winner of the 50/50 draw.
