The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 135 1987, when these Branches gave up their charters. In 2006, there were approximately 80 on our membership roll, about half of whom are Veterans. Throughout its long history in Wynyard, the Legion has endeavoured to provide assistance to needy Veterans and their families, and sponsorship of the Air Cadet Squadron. For many years, a successful Bingo and Nevada was operated, which enabled the Branch to be very generous in donations to worthy community causes such as equipment for the hospital, fire department, arena and most notably, a commitment of $20,000 for construction of the new nursing home. The Branch continues to offer support to many individuals and organizations in their requests of financial aid, and the Legion is a well-respected service organization in our community. The Branch has taken a very active role in the activities surrounding Remembrance Day, and they continue to have a very successful Poppy Campaign in the local area, culminating with a very well attended Remembrance Day Service. They have participated in programs at the elementary and high schools and have always promoted the Poster and Literary contest. Many awards have resulted, including a Wynyard student being the national level winner in essay and poem competitions in 1995 and 1996. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO WYNYARD BRANCH 101 The Ladies’ Auxiliary formed their Branch in 1920, along with the Great War Veterans Association, and later became an Auxiliary to the newly formed Legion. They received their charter on February 8, 1938, with Mrs. Belle Bailey as the first President. In the early years, meetings were held in members' homes. The organization's aim was to assist and aid Veterans and support other worthwhile causes. During the years of World War II, they fulfilled this objective by sending parcels to servicemen who were serving overseas and continued to do so until the war's end. In the years to follow, they found various ways of raising funds to carry out their work. The Auxiliary gave a great deal of financial support to the Branch, including many of the furnishings for the new hall built in 1960. They continued in their role as an Auxiliary until 1995 when declining membership forced them to give up their charter. Several Auxiliary members joined the membership of the Branch at that time. WYNYARD BRANCH 101 (...Cont’d) The Legion came into being in 1926. The principal members were Veterans of World War I and the South African War. The Edam Branch was organized and chartered on June 1, 1927. It was first called the “British Empire Service League.” As the No. 106 would indicate, Edam was among the first to organize. The charter members were: W.R. Fraser, S.W. Stuart, A.A. Lambroughton, W. Highton, A. Chivers Wilson, H.E. Halliday, W. Lafferty, F.M. DeMontarnel, A.W. Smith, J. Wahl, T.L. Smith, R. Balcomb and C. Ludwig. Suitably engraved medals were presented to all returned soldiers having left the village for overseas service at a dance on December 31, 1919 in Edam. Our cenotaph was constructed before June 19, 1934. The exact date is unknown. Every year since, wreaths are laid on November 11th to remember our fallen Comrades. A church service is held prior to the laying of the wreaths. Then the public is invited to have lunch at the Legion Hall. Our cenotaph was updated with a plaque to include the war dead of World War II and the Korean War in the summer of 1990. EDAM BRANCH 106 (Cont’d...)
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