cktimes.ca Archives for Legion Musing


Legion Musing

With Robert Simpson

Showing respect

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Recently I was driving by the Cenotaph, when I spotted a couple of young people skateboarding on it. I pulled in and asked them to please stop what they were doing, as it was very disrespectful. Which I am happy to say they did. The Cenotaph to all Veterans is Sacred Holy Ground. It marks for us the final resting spot for all those who are buried in other lands who died serving Canada .

Since they cannot return their bodies to Canada, the next best thing is to erect a local Cenotaph instead. It is a headstone in the local communities, if you will view it that way. So playing on it is disrespectful and it upsets all of us who served in the Military. It is such a simple thing to show proper respect for those who died defending this great country.

I'd like to remind people that we are accepting car air fresheners to send over to the troops in Afghanistan to help make the bunkers they live and work in a little more bearable. It's such a simple and nice thing to do and it shows that you care about the troops overseas. So please drop into Branch 18 in Wallaceburg with some air fresheners, we are hoping to send over a package soon.

I was at the food bank recently dropping off a donation from the Branch and they really need food folks. Remember there's hungry children in this town who need that food. So Branch 18 members remember to bring some food with you when you come to the Legion. People can drop off a donation by going to Lowe St behind Wal-Mart and drop off some food to help your neighbors.

Events: July 17th is Christmas in July, doors open at 12:00 noon. There's a BBQ turkey with all the trimmings at 6:00pm. As well the best decorated boat prize, Bert & Bill are playing. Plus the meat draws start at 4:00 PM.

You can drop into the Legion at anytime. We are open to the public, there's something happening from Monday until Saturday. We're the friendliest Legion in town.

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.