October Port Royal Legion Branch 21 notes

By Phil Kent

A very successful open house to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Port Royal Legion Branch 21 was held on Sunday, Oct. 19. Branch president Brad Bent welcomed those in attendance. This included members of our branch and the public as well as members from branches in Digby, Clementsport, Bridgetown, and Lawrencetown. Special guests were Zone 10 Commander Carol Sabean and Branch 21 Life Members, Olive Orde, Edie Cook, Arlene Porter, Madeline Wright, Roy Hall, and Allen Sabean. Zone 9 Commander Ron Bohaker presented a commemorative plaque from Nova Scotia / Nunavut Command. President Bent and honorary president Edie Cook accepted a plaque from the Province of Nova Scotia. A delicious luncheon rounded off the afternoon’s activities. A very special “Thank-you” goes out to all of the volunteers who put so much effort into making this occasion the success it was.

Renew Membership

All Legion members are reminded to renew their membership for 2009. The new cards are at the branch. Reluctantly, the executive had to raise the dues to $40 this year because Dominion Command in Ottawa collects almost $35 per member. From the $40 we get to keep just a little over $5 for our own use. That amounts to less than $1500 per year. Compared to our annual expenditures, that’s a mere ‘drop in the bucket.’ Renewals are due by the end of December.

A popular misconception about membership eligibility needs to be addressed. You do not have to be a serving or former member of the Canadian Forces to join the Legion. Any Canadian citizen, Commonwealth subject, or citizen of an allied country is eligible to join. As long as you agree with caring for our veterans, the perpetuation of Remembrance, and being of service to the youth and seniors of our community, you can be a Legion member. Why not contact the Legion or visit www.Legion.ca to learn more?

Saturday Breakfasts

We wish to thank all those who patronized our Saturday morning breakfasts for the past six months. Many thanks go to Connie and Ron Bohaker, who carried most of the load in making them a success. We plan to resume the breakfasts with the warmer weather in late May and look forward to seeing you then.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is almost here. Please don’t forget to wear a poppy. The Remembrance Day service begins at 10:30 a.m. on the 11th. Be sure to be there early to guarantee yourself a seat. Tickets for the evening banquet are still available. Call 532-5196 to book yours. Everyone is welcome but the number of tickets is limited.

The Legion is a non-profit organization, which provides many services to the community. In Annapolis Royal we also keep the Community Center in operation. We do not receive funding from outside agencies including our headquarters in Halifax and Ottawa. We depend on the good will and efforts of our member volunteers and the generosity of individuals, organizations, businesses, and interested groups in the community. We thank all those who help and we value your support whenever there is an event, which helps us to keep the Community Center operating.

PHIL KENT is past-president of Port Royal Legion Branch 21 in Annapolis Royal.