The annual Remembrance Day banquet hosted by the Emo Legion last Tuesday evening attracted support from all corners of the area which it covers, which I am told is the largest branch in the province.
About 100 people turned out for the occasion, which included local MPP and NDP leader Howard Hampton.
The kitchen staff of Lois Shine, Kay Nickel, Darlyne Bruce, Shelly Bruce-Allen, Cheryl Curtis, and Adelia Guba had prepared the meal and for this they were given an overwhelming round of applause.
These ladies also had to prepare the noon soup/sandwich meal for those participating in the various Legion programs from Stratton to Devlin.
The Legion colour party participated in the opening ceremonies while Elaine Fraser led in prayer for the fallen comrades and those who are now serving in the armed forces.
The Toast to the Queen was given by Comrade Wallace Hughes, with Jacqui Hunsperger saying Grace.
Hampton was the guest speaker, who noted soldiers do not glorify war in any form, “not like the movies show it.”
He added the United Nations always tries to minimize wars, noting it serves a good purpose in acting as a negotiator to get everything away from conflicts if at all possible.
“Today, wherever I attended Remembrance Day ceremonies, there was good attendance, which shows people do care.” Hampton concluded, adding we should devote ourselves so that our young people never have to go to war.
Awards committee chairperson Lucille MacDonald, assisted by Legion Br. #99 president Jane Allan, then presented pin awards for years of service. They included:
•15 years—Cecil Wilson, Nevin Bonot, Darlyne Bruce, Robert Dimit, and Elizabeth Penny;
•20 years—George Ball, C.J. Cave, and Florrie Rahn;
•25 years—George Hyatt, Gordon Wollard, Doug Cross, Arlene DeGagne, Ray Jewell, Terry Lee, Wayne Peri, and Bonita Sutherland; •30 years—K. Brigham, Irwin Morphet, and Rod Swire;
•40 years—Margaret Wollard; and
•55 years—Garnet Hands, Ken Oien, and Jeannie Morphet
Allan presented the final award, noting it’s only on special occasions that the Legion recognizes people.
“I had a difficult time in trying to keep the recipient here,” Allan told those on hand. “This was her night at the Barwick Bingo. I simply told her she was looking after the kitchen and could not go.
“All she said was, ‘Okay.’”
Allan then called upon Adelia Guba to come out and accept the award. She was surprised and emotionally struck when presented with the Royal Canadian Legion General Lipsett Br. #99 Honourary Lifetime Membership for 2003.
“There are not enough words I can say about that lady,” said Allan.
The evening concluded with the singing of “God Save the Queen” and marching off of the colours.
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