The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion recognized some of its long-standing members during its annual Vimy Night supper on April 2.
More than 20 Legion members received service pins in recognition for their commitment.
Chad Laviolette, Gayle Blackburn, Shirley Graham and Les Styre were saluted for 10 years of service.
Elmer Vicary, Theresa Densley and Vernon Perkins were recognized for 15 years.
Clarenece Durr was saluted for 20 years, and Larry Stubel was recognized for 25 years with the Legion.
Ernie Skjerpen, Harvey Perkins, Dave Laing, Al Fellner, Barrie Duncan, Bert Wheeler and Dale Sorenson were recognized for 30 years.
Sharren Dukart was presented with a 35-year pin.
R.J. McCleary is a 40-year member and Charlie Gessner was recognized for 55 years of service.
Eric Parker was presented with a pin for 60 years of service, and received a standing ovation from those in attendance.
Local Legion past-president Eileen Rosner was presented with a Certificate of Merit for her many years of dedication to the branch and, in particular, to her work with the bingos. Current president Troy LeBlanc noted it was a long-overdue honour for Rosner.
She was also given a standing ovation after the presentation.
Roberta Taylor, who is the district commander, said it’s always a pleasure to attend banquets in honour of Vimy Night. She congratulated all the recipients of the service awards.
“They’re well-deserved and such an honour, especially when you get to 60 years,” said Taylor.
She believes so many Legion members give so much because it’s the right thing to do. Taylor is also happy to see so many new members have joined the Estevan Legion’s ranks.
Councillor Dennis Moore brought greetings on behalf of the City of Estevan, and congratulated the local branch for their many years of service to the community.
“We are so pleased that on many occasions, you have partnered with the city to make things happen,” said Moore. “You’re one of the first ones to step up to the plate to offer your services.”
Moore noted how close he came to serving with the Royal Canadian Navy. When he was a teenager growing up in the Carlyle area, Moore and a close friend, Cameron MacKinnon, decided to join the navy.
They filled out an application form, and were invited to Regina for an interview. The interview went well, until Moore confided that he was allergic to wool – the fabric used in the navy’s uniforms.
MacKinnon joined the Royal Canadian Air Force instead, and had a lengthy career.
“I was really jealous that he was moving on and I wasn’t,” said Moore.
Vimy Night is named after the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which occurred from April 9 to 12, 1917. Among the 170,000 Allied Forces who participated, 97,184 of them were Canadian.
“By nightfall of the 12th, the Canadian core was in firm control of the ridge,” said LeBlanc.
The Canadian core suffered 10,602 casualties in the battle, with 3,598 killed and 7,004 wounded. Four Canadian soldiers received the Victorian Cross for their contributions during the battle.
The Germans had about 4,000 soldiers captured, and an unknown number were killed or injured.
“The Battle of Vimy was the first instance in which all four Canadian divisions, made up of troops drawn from all parts of the country, fought as one cohesive formation,” said LeBlanc.
It was a major victory over the German forces and a key point during the war.
LeBlanc noted that many historians believe the battle at Vimy marked the birth of Canada’s national identity.
The Estevan Legion hosts its Vimy Night each year on the Saturday before the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
