Legion Week kicks off on Wednesday with a luncheon and special awards presentation among the events planned.
The Kamloops Legion President, Daniel Martin, spoke on the NL Morning News about what we can expect. “Legion Week is the time of the year to have events and to honour veterans”
It starts with a luncheon at 11:30 on Wednesday followed by a special ceremony. “The first thing that we have is a Veteran’s Lunch which is no charge to veterans, members and their families to come down. It’ll be a Chinese buffet and everyone is welcome.”
“Right after that will be an honours and awards ceremony at 1:00 which entails members that have been in the legion for a long time to say thank very much for all their years of service.”
“We have a few members receiving a 50 year service medal, I think we even have two that will be receiving 75 years of service to the legion, so that’s a very long time.”
Martin was asked how important to have a week like this when veterans are necessarily top of mind the way that they are in November. “Membership is very important. It means we can support veterans and their families. Without our members, the programs and services that we off would not exist so, it’s important for us to have events like this and involve the public.”
Martin says any of us can join. “A lot of people think that you have to be a veteran, to have served in the RCMP or the military to be a Legion member. That is not the case. Anyone can come in and ask to be a member of the legion.”
As far as the week’s activities go, Martin says everyone is welcome, starting with Wednesday’s luncheon. “You don’t have to be a member. We was as many people to come in, it’s basically like an open house.”
“Dinner on Thursday is also no charge, which starts at 5:00. The dance on Friday night, that would be by donation.”
“The pancake breakfast on Sunday morning is also free of charge and will be followed by our meat draw starting at 2:30”
Martin says many members consider the legion a second home and staying away during COVID was particularly difficult. “The last two years, as we all know due to COVID, across Canada, legions have suffered a little bit but due to generosity from the Provincial Government and the Federal Government with the grants that we received helped us a lot but to get our members back we need a safe place for member to come in.”
“We have talked to many seniors and veterans in the community saying that they missed coming to the legion because for them it’s a safe spot, it’s a safe place. You know, they feel like they’re safe there, it’s a place to go outside of their house that they won’t have to worry about anything.”
Martin say there will also be an appearance of fighter jets from Squadron 419 from CFB Cold Lake over the weekend.
“The jets will be arriving around 1:00 on Friday so keep your eyes peeled to the sky. They’ll be leaving Sunday afternoon.
Martin says if you’d like more information you can call 250-374-1742 or email him directly at president@kamloopslegion.com