11 The Royal Canadian Legion MANITOBA & NORTHWESTERN ONTARIO COMMAND www.mbnwo.ca Brief History of the Belgian Veterans’Association, Branch 107 The Belgian Veterans’ Association, Branch 107 originated on February 12, 1920. The Belgian Club has always been our home. The Branch was originally known as the British Empire Service League. On April 10, 1933 the name was changed to Belgian Veterans’Association with the first President Comrade Cornelius De Steene, Jules DeCruyenaere as Secretary with a membership of 10 Comrades. The membership reached 100 in 1930 with Julien Buysse as President. A Ladies Auxiliary was formed in 1926 and discontinued in 1964. In October 1937 under the chairmanship of then President Louis Nobel a fundraising committee was formed to erect a monument known as Albert Place. This monument was erected in front of the Belgian Club by sculptor Hubert Garnier. The models depicting the two Belgian soldiers were Jules DeCruyenaere (lying down) and Julien Buysse (standing) both deceased now. The monument is the only one depicting a fallen soldier. In April 1995, the monument was officially declared historical war memorial by the City of Winnipeg. DuringWorldWar II most members rejoined the Canadian or Belgian forces. The Ladies Auxiliary provided many comfort parcels to the Comrades overseas. Upon cessation of the War, the branch was very active with the return of many servicemen. Much credit goes to Louis Speliers for the resurgence of our branch to its present membership of 145. The branch accomplishment and contribution to The Royal Canadian Legion can best be exemplified by two of our Comrades, Father Leo Baert and Louis Speliers. The branch has also been honoured by two Comrades, Joe Beock, Paul Deprez and our present Belgian Consul Jean-Marie DeClercq. And to finish we can say that all the founding and charter members, and all the members today, and those that are gone have contributed to make The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 107 as it is today with over a hundred members and we are working to further the aims and objectives of this great organization. ~ Written by a member
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