Lest We Forget / 35 The Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Island Command Branch No. 6 - Tignish The Branch’s history can be traced back to a meeting held on the 17th of July, 1919 when a Branch of the Great War Veterans Association was formed. In 1926, the Branch would be chartered under the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League which would eventually become the Royal Canadian Legion in the 1960’s. The Branch catered to veterans from St. Louis, Miminegash, Elmsdale and Alberton. For many years the Branch operated in members’ homes and rental facilities, including the C.M.B.A. Hall which was to become the first permanent Legion Home in 1945, when it was purchased by the Branch. This move was necessitated by the return home of the Second World War Veterans. The C.M.B.A. Hall was to serve as the Legion Home until it was completely destroyed by fire on the 25th of June, 1952. Through the efforts of an active and dedicated membership and the support of the community, a new Home was built on Phillip street, with the official opening held on the 3rd of February 1953. The building underwent many renovations and additions during the next 3 decades and was a source of pride to its members and the community. Disaster struck again on the 20th of July, 1981 when an early morning fire completely destroyed the building and its contents. Once again, it was not long before the membership, with community support, was able to erect a new Home which was officially opened on the 25th of September, 1982. Restaurant facilities were added in 1983 with the restaurant opening to the public in June of that year. The Legion’s success over the years can be attributed, to a great degree, to the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary group in 1955 and the Fraternal affiliated in 1970. These groups, with the recent changes in membership to include Associates as voting members will hopefully assure leadership and commitment to the success of our Branch in the future. In 1951, the Branch was instrumental in fulfilling a dream of the membership to erect a Memorial for those soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice during the 1st and 2nd World Wars as well as the Korean war. In 1973, the year of the P.E.I. Centennial celebrations, the Branch, in cooperation with the communities of St. Louis, Miminegash, St. Edward and Palmer Road, erected a Memorial on the St. Louis Elementary School grounds. The Branch prides itself in sponsoring #641 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron since its inception in 1957. The squadron continues to provide a challenge to approximately 30 area youth. In addition, the Branch has, over the years, supported the Canadian Red Cross Society, local and regional hospitals, seniors’ programs, including the recently constructed Seniors Housing Co-op, Scouts and Girl Guides and other community groups and organizations. Membership stands at 172 and includes: 60 Ordinary / Life Members; 101 Associate Members; 4 Affiliate Voting Members and 7 Affiliate Non-Voting Members.
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