No person should be declined the opportunity to lay a wreath on Remembrance Day, Jim Woodward, president of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, told Legion members during their meeting on November 1.
“Last week I was apprised of a situation over which I took a strong stand,” Woodward told members. “A young veteran in New Brunswick joined his hometown Legion and requested to lay a wreath in memory of his nine fallen buddies in Afghanistan. He was declined.
“He took his plea into the public domain where it went viral on Facebook,” Woodward said. “This Legion branch in question should be taken to task because it defeats everything that the Legion stands for.
“These ‘old boys’ clubs’ have done more to destroy and tarnish the Legion over the years to the point where this negativity has rendered many branches useless,” he said. “I always say ‘If you have nothing good to say, shut your mouth before you speak stupid because your conversation affects us all as a Legion.’
“Our potential young members need to feel they belong and we must encourage their participation.
Woodward said that this year he has added a large wreath to the list of wreaths to be laid entitled ‘The Fallen of Afghanistan’ and has asked his son Tim to lay this wreath.
“I am also adding another wreath for ‘peacetime veterans’ because too many people think our veterans stop after the Second World War and this situation can no longer exist,” he said. “We are fortunate in Kamsack that we haven’t lost anyone to peacetime operations even though there are several serving.
“I am of the understanding that the schools are eagerly participating in this year’s poster and poem contest,” he said. “I am pleased to think my family has been a part of this branch for its 90 years and to think that the fifth generation will be part of our Remembrance Day Services is an honour I would like to see cherished for generations to come.
“Find something and stand proud; it’s very heartwarming. Trust me,” Woodward said.
