The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 139 Branch members are now elderly and some Associate members do not reside here, a total of 32. They strive to carry on the Literary Contest, Poppy Campaign and Remembrance Day Service, attended by approximately 150 from Raymore and Semans areas. Donations are made to Veterans Comfort Fund, and three Seniors Homes nearby. The Legion Hall is important to the members because of the Wall of Honour displaying pictures and information about the young men who lost their lives in WWII and are remembered by northern Saskatchewan lakes and islands named after them. Thanks to Joe Anderson and his late wife Louise, markers were placed at these sights. Other memorable pictures, pins and medals are also displayed. Many years ago, a book was started by Howard and Jean Phillips, containing pages for WWI & II Veterans. As Veterans and members pass away, their obituary and funeral services are added to the book. In 2001, The Royal Canadian Legion's 75th Anniversary, a book containing pictures, newspaper articles, etc., pertaining to Semans and neighbouring Legions dating back to 1987, ending in 2004, was started. In 2005, theYear of the Veteran, a second book was started, continuing to the present VE Day Celebrations held on Sunday, May 8, 2005. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO SEMANS BRANCH 108 A meeting to organize an Auxiliary to Semans Canadian Legion of the B.E.S.L. was held on December 19, 1930 in the Municipal Council Chambers. D.R. Clements, Legion President, conducted the election of officers: Mrs. Gordon Clancy, President; Mrs. Nora Adam, Vice-President, Mrs. B. Smith, 2nd Vice-President; and Mrs. M. McKeon, Secretary/Treasurer. The charter was received on June 10, 1931, with sixteen members from Raymore, Semans and Tate. Some meetings were held at members’ homes. One of the first projects was to care for graves of WWI Veterans. During the depression, they helped in the community and provided Christmas cheer parcels to needy Veterans’ families. When dances were held to raise funds, a four-piece orchestra cost $10.00, and a six-piece cost $16.00. After the war, members presented gifts and welcomed several British war brides. Membership grew to more than fifty, and made it the largest Auxiliary in Zone 3 - District 4. A 1976 Golden Anniversary Award was presented to Mrs. H. Early, 20 Certificates of Merit were also awarded. The Auxiliary supported projects of Provincial Command and the community. Funds were raised by catering to banquets, receptions of 200-300 persons, and auction sales. On Remembrance Day, the ladies provided a luncheon for the Legion. In the 1970s, a ‘New To You Sale’ was held in the Legion Hall in the spring and fall, and then on May 10, 1980 was held in the new school gym. At the end of 1981, members receivedYears of Service Pins: seven Life members; nineteen 25-year pins; eleven 30-year pins; five 40-year pins; and three 50-year pins were awarded to N. Adam, B. Smith, and M. Simpson. The Remembrance Day Tea was held on Saturday prior to November 11th ceremonies, with a tea and bake sale and raffle for many years. The last Poppy Day Tea held by the Legion was in 2003. Memberships dues in the 1970s were $2.50, then $3.00 and $4.00, with fifty to sixty members. In 1980, Herman and Violet Haffner, Legion and Auxiliary Presidents, celebrated their anniversary at a regular meeting. There were conveners appointed to look after fifteen different duties in the organization. On November 11, 1983, six ladies received Life memberships, two members received 30 Years of Service Awards, and five members received Certificates of Merit. In 1988, Mrs. H. Early received a 55-year Certificate from the Provincial President, and then a 60-year Certificate in 1993. The ladies put on an Easter Sunday Brunch in 1989, which became an annual event for several years. At year-end in 1990, the Auxiliary had 49 members; the 50th member passed away prior at the age of 96. Legion Crest Pens were purchased to raffle at each meeting. Legion and Auxiliary members traveled to Wascana Center to visit on January 20, 1993. The Auxiliary and Optimist Club put on a Sunday Barbeque Beef Supper in 1994, and in 1995, a Barbequed Pork Supper. Alexas Pickrell received her 60-year plaque from Command at a celebration tea. Mrs. B. Smith, a 64-year and charter member, passed away at the age of 91 years. Louise Anderson passed away at the age of 64, prior to receiving a Caring Canadian Award. Her husband, Joe, and daughter, Anne, received the award from the Lt. Governor of Saskatchewan. The 3rd Saturday in November was Flea Market Day at the gym, which was later turned over to the Semans 4-H and Rec Center. October 31, 1999, greetings and a Semans Homecoming bag were sent to Mrs. Nora Adam on the occasion of her 100th birthday. The Auxiliary had donated to the Veteran's Comfort Fund, Bursary Fund, Last Mountain and District Music Festival, and Seniors’ Homes. In 1998 and 2000, two Semans students were both presented with a $100 bursary. From June 1997 to January 2005, the organization mourned the passing of fifteen members, ranging in age from 44 - 101 years of age. May God reward them for their years of devotion and service. The November 6, 2002 Auxiliary meeting marked the final disband of the Ladies’ Auxiliary of Semans Branch 108. SEMANS BRANCH 108 (...Cont’d)
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