Since 1953 Ontario branches of the Royal Canadian Legion have celebrated Legion Week during the third week of September. Barry’s Bay Branch 406 President Heather Poliquin shared the proclamation by Ontario Provincial Command:
“Let it be known throughout the Province of Ontario that September 18-24, 2022 be proclaimed Legion Week within Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.”
Passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Legion Week activities are supposed to take precedence over any other scheduled activities at a Branch. This year, however, the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II means that an additional community event will occur at Branch 406 to commemorate the Queen’s reign. Poliquin told The Current that a wreath laying ceremony will take place on Monday September 19 at 10:50 a.m. in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. All members of the community are welcome to attend and Legion members are encouraged to wear formal Legion dress. Above: Remembrance Day wreaths framing portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II.(2018)
Historically significant date
The opening day of Legion Week – Sunday September 18 2022 — coincides with the commemorative date of the Battle of Britain. This air battle, according to the Royal Canadian Air Force website, “was recognized almost immediately as a significant event. Waged from July to October 1940, it pitted a small group of fighter pilots from around the world against a far larger Luftwaffe.”
Working Together is theme for Legion Week 2022
Some of the excellent programs and initiatives run by the Royal Canadian Legion are:
- Leave the Streets Behind (a homeless veteran’s program)
- Service Dogs
- Track and Field
- Posters, Poem and Essay Program
- Poppy Campaign
“Each and every member is very proud of being part of such an incredible organization, but now more than ever we need to encourage, attract, and enthuse others to come and join our team so we can continue to provide these excellent programs for many more years to come,” explained Poliquin.
She said that RCL Branch 406 has remained strong throughout Covid and post-Covid with the continued support from the Executive, the General Membership, the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 406, and the community. In fact, during this period Branch Membership has increased to more than 150 members. The Banner Program has been a huge success with an additional 37 banners being ordered this year.
Legion Week events in Barry’s Bay
Kick Off Dance: Branch 406 celebrates the beginning of Legion Week with a dance on Saturday Sept.17. Take to the (new) dance floor to music by Jim Etmanski and the Mad River Ramblers. The event is open to all and runs from 8 pm to Midnight. Tickets ($10) are available at the Legion or at the door.
Regular Legion activities:
- Pancake Breakfast. The monthly pancake breakfast occurs on the first official day of Legion Week, Sunday Sept.18. from 8 am to 12 pm. Free for all Veterans, Veterans’ Widows and Widowers. Tickets: Adults $12, Children 6-12 yrs $6, Under 6s free.
- Four Hand Euchre. Wednesday Sept.21. Open to all – $5.00 each. Registration 1:30 pm; games begin 2 pm.
- Bingo. Thursday Sept.22 at 7 pm.
- Club Room. Monday to Saturday 2 pm to 6 pm, Friday to 8pm.
Veterans’ Dinner. Legion Week ends with this annual dinner on Saturday Sept.24. Cocktails 5 pm. Dinner 5:45 pm. Social 7 pm. Open to All – Tickets available at the Legion. $30.00 each for non Veterans. Free for Veterans, their escorts and spouses; and for Veterans’ Widows, Widowers and their escorts.
President’s message:
Poliquin said, “So, this Legion Week think of our 500,000 plus veterans in this country who are still with us, our youth, and our communities. By “Working Together” let’s make this a better and stronger organization that can take us well into the future.”
