At the first meeting of the Kamsack branch of the Royal Canadian Legion after its summer hiatus, discussions included the Legion’s 90th anniversary in 2016, the memorial bricks project and the HMCS Kamsack monument.
During the meeting, held September 15, when the Legion’s traditional beef-on-a -bun was served to members, it was announced that the Kamsack Times had been bestowed with the Legion Media Award.
“The Legion has always admired the support from our local paper and more specifically its key reporter, William Koreluik,” Jim Woodward, branch president, said. “The Kamsack Legion has long recognized how instrumental Bill has been in making us more visible in our community and for this we are extremely grateful.
“I personally enjoy when he remarks ‘Do you have a copy of that for me?’ but without this fantastic rapport many community events would not exist,” Woodward said. “The Kamsack Legion is honoured to extend this recognition.”
“The Royal Canadian Legion Media Award has been established by Dominion Command of the Royal Canadian Legion to recognize individuals or organizations from the media who show their support by publicizing the activities and work in the community of Legion branches, zones, districts and provincial commands,” reads the plaque that was presented. “The members and officers of the Royal Canadian Legion commend the outstanding generosity, support and assistance that the Kamsack Times has provided to Kamsack (Saskatchewan No. 24) branch.”
The plaque is signed by Tom Eagles, Dominion president.
The Legion’s 90th anniversary should be celebrated with a special function because many members will be of advanced age and will not be able to enjoy the centennial, Woodward said during the meeting.
He told members that because of the current value of the Canadian dollar, there will be a slight delay in receiving the second shipment of memorial bricks, which are being used at the Legion’s portion of Riverside Cemetery.
“ Please extend our apologies to anyone who questions the status of the bricks,” he said.
“We are currently working with Veterans’ Affairs on a grant for an HMCS Kamsack monument which we are striving to have in place before the end of this year.”
Discussions included a date for the Legion’s first 50/50 draw of the season, a new Remembrance Week backdrop “and, as always, ways to further enhance our Legion image in the community.”
Membership always remains vital for the success of any service organization and everyone was encouraged to seek out new members.
“I look forward to another promising year,” Woodward said, listing many great Remembrance Day posters, poems and essays from students and continued support from local businesses.
Woodward concluded the meeting by reciting the traditional Legion motto: “Lest we forget.”
