In this, its 51st year of existence [in 1997], Crooked River Branch 292 of the Royal Canadian Legion is facing the same concern as many other branches throughout the country – declining active membership.
Crooked River Branch 292 received its Charter on May 29, 1945 with 20 charter members. Although membership numbers 25 today, active participation in Legion activities is declining.
“Only four or five are active,” stated Legion president Paul Klatik, citing distance and aging membership as two reasons for the problem. “Some are in Alberta or Saskatoon, one of our flagbearers is from White Fox. The younger ones aren’t really interested but their parents pay their dues.”
Every year the Crooked River branch questions if it will be their last.
“We just keep going one year at a time,” Klatik stated.
Though Legion participants may be declining, attendance and interest in Crooked River’s annual Remembrance Day services is not suffering. This year’s service, held at the Crooked River Hall, was attended by a capacity crowd.
Perhaps it is the communities ties to those from the area that gave their lives in war that makes Remembrance Day so important in Crooked River. Despite the passage of time, the names of many of those included on the Honor Roll still ring familiar to those from the area: A. Bonville, B. Brown, G. Brown, W. Callin, G. Clarke, L. Eaton, G. Fengstand, G. Froom, W.R. Fields, R. Gow, F. Hales, B. Hansford, J. Henderson, M. McCrea, C. McLellan, V. Murray, W. Pendleton, and E. Sanderson.
In her address to those in attendance, Capt. Tanya Payette of the Salvation Army stated it is good to remember.
“We have come together to remember and pay tribute to those who have given themselves so that we might have a better life,” she said.
For many participating in or attending the service, the memories of war are still vivid and the years that have passed since the end of war have not dulled the effect it has had.
“We give thanks for the peace and plenty we have in our land. Today we value the sacrifices that were made to bring us peace.”
Payette told those in attendance to help remember the sacrifices made by those who lost their lives in war by remembering the sacrifice Jesus made for all of mankind.
“It is overwhelming to think there were those willing to lay down their lives for many they would never know." 'They fought believing it would make a difference,” Payette said. “Jesus died to bring eternal peace and eternal freedom. To make the lives that were lost meaningful, we must actively try to keep the peace.”
Long service awards were presented to several Legion members. Clarence Schulz was the only recipient of a 50-year award. Other service awards were presented to Russell Burns, Emil Kneller, Steve Kudelka, Arthur Magnus, and Cecil Musselman.
Service awards were also presented to several Legion Ladies Auxiliary members. The Ladies Auxiliary celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Charter on Oct. 4.
Three Charter members were honored to be presented with 50-year service awards - Helen McPeak, Eileen Henderson, and Ann Kozakavich.
Earlier this year, Helen Steele was also presented with her 50-year service award. She has since passed away.
Other Ladies Auxiliary members presented with service awards were Mary Schulz, Doris Grieves, and Nora Edmondson. Following the conclusion of the Remembrance Day service, those in attendance enjoyed lunch and an old time sing-a-long featuring many wartime songs.
Editor's Note: the Crooked River Legion held its last Remembrance Day service in 2012 and its last executive meeting in December 2013.
