cktimes.ca Archives for Legion Musing
Legion Musing
It's poppy time – lest we forget!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
It's that time of year again, the Oct 30th to 31st weekend's Poppy campaign was held. A big Thank You to all the wonderful volunteers who manned our posts in stores as well as those who worked at the Legion to ensure the smooth running of the 2 day Poppy blitz by the members and volunteers at Branch 18.Of course it was all kicked off with a flag raising ceremony with Mayor Randy Hope doing the honours on the 30th at 10:00 am. MP Bev Shipley and MPP Maria Van Bommel's offices sent representatives out since they are both sitting and could not attend. The rain held off as well, but we did have both Padres there so that may have helped us. This year, on Saturday, a Sea Cadet was with a Veteran at most posts to distribute poppies. I think this was a good idea and I hope it continues to be the practice. The young Cadet I was with soldiered on in spite of not feeling well. Bravo Zulu to all Cadets. To the non- military folks that is high praise.
There are many demands on our time at the Legion during the days leading up to Nov 11th. We do get asked to speak to young people during this time. The Sea Cadets are one such group. This year is the second year we have gone to speak to them during a parade night. To speak to them about our experiences overseas and to speak about what Nov 11th means to a Veteran.
Events: Nov 12th is the start up of the men's Euchre League upstairs at the Legion. It starts at 7:30pm sharp, you will need to come early to sign up. On Saturday Nov 14th is our Chicken and Sliders. Tickets are at the bar it's only $8.00 per person they start serving is from 4:30 pm til 6:30 pm. Takeout is available. Music is by Alan James starting at 5:00pm. Come rock at Branch 18. You can even come after the parade, stay for the meat raffle and have your supper too. What a great way to spend a day with your family.
LEST WE FORGET
Robert Simpson was born in Amherst Nova Scotia. From 1976 to 1980 served in the Canadian armed forces He served in Cyprus 1978/79. He came to Wallaceburg where he worked at North American Plastics. He worked in Toronto as a computer technician. After suffering a heart attack 2002 he retired to Wallaceburg to be closer to his 3 daughters, and all his grandchildren. He is involved with Branch 18 Legion where he is on the executive; he serves as Seniors Chairman. also is currently Youth-Ed Chairman, Liaison with the Sea Cadets and Elevator Committee Chairman for the Legion. Robert is also working at starting up an Operational Stress Injury Peer Support Group in the area for Veterans of all ages.
