The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 25 In 1917, the Great War Veterans Association was formed and included a Branch in Regina. In 1925, a ‘unity’ conference, of all Veterans Organizations, was held in Winnipeg. Two prominent Veterans from Regina, L. Col. J.A. McAra and Major M. A. MacPherson, were part of, and instrumental in, the formation of the Canadian Legion, which resulted from this meeting. It was evident that a Dominion Convention must be held to draft a constitution to rectify the conclusions reached. Saskatchewan Command was formed and the first Provincial Convention was held under auspices of Regina Branch, which was chartered as Branch #001, the first occurrence in Canada and the Official Charter carries this seal of Recognition dated in October 1926. Branch Meetings were held initially in private homes. The Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Branch was formed in 1930, and has played an important role in the history of the Branch. The Branch Building was built in 1947, at 1820 Cornwall Street, and is viewed as a memorial to honour those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the service to their country. The province donated the large stained-glass window over the main entrance, entitled “Saskatchewan for Freedom” and was unveiled by the Hon. C. M. Fines. Stained-glass windows to sides of the main entrance were donated by Saskatchewan Command C.L.B.E.S.L., Regina United Services Institute, I.O.D.E. and Silver Cross Remembrance Assoc. and were officially unveiled by his Excellency, Vincent Massey, Governor General of Canada, on May 14, 1955. Princes Elizabeth and her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, visited the Branch on October 17, 1951, while in Regina. Murals depicting the military history of Saskatchewan from the Riel Rebellion in 1885, South African War 1899-1901, First World War 1914-1918, Second World War 1939-1945, and the Korean War 1950-1953, are located in the Memorial Tower. These murals were painted by Mr. K. C. Lochhead and dedicated in 1956 to Lieutenant-Governor W. J. Patterson. The Branch has been active since its formation in the support of programs for youth, such as the Canadian Cadet Movement, Track & Field training, bursaries and providing Speakers for Remembrance Week held in the schools throughout the city. The Branch conducts poppy campaigns and organizes Remembrance Day and many other Memorial Observances to remember our Veterans. Numerous community charities have benefited from resources provided by the branch. The Branch is one of the originators of the building of the Douglas Park Track & Field facilities, and they were involved in the leadership of organizing the funding of the YWCA building in Regina. The time has come whereby steadily declining membership makes the ‘torch of freedom’ very weighty for a few hands, however, the lamp will still burn brightly and undiminished, until the last pair of hands lay it down to a well earned rest and these words are spoken with reverence, “Lord God of Hosts be with us yet,” Let we Forget, Lest we Forget. LADIES’AUXILIARY TO REGINA BRANCH 1 The Ladies’ Auxiliary of Regina Branch 1 was formed in 1930, chartered under the Canadian Legion British Empire Service League (BESL). The first recorded President was Mrs. Butcher. Meetings took place in various locations until 1947, when the Branch building was built. The name was changed to Ladies’Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1960 to coincide with the Legion becoming the Royal Canadian Legion through Royal Assent obtained by Hon. John Diefenbaker. Provincial Command’s Ladies’ Auxiliary disbanded in 2000, so, along with all other Ladies’ Auxiliary in the Province, the Ladies’ Auxiliary to Saskatchewan Branch became directly responsible to the Branch. During the war years, members were kept busy with projects such as Hostess House, meeting Troop Trains, knitting, sewing, and visiting Veterans in hospital. Funds were raised through bake sales (some of which were held at the Co-op Store on Albert St. and Victoria St.), raffles, making and selling Christmas puddings, and coat checks, to name a few. The war ended and many War Brides were welcomed to the organization. Membership at one time, was 400, however, that number has dwindled to approximately 165 members in 2006. As in the past, the Ladies’Auxiliary still supports the Branch financially, morally and with many volunteer hours. Some of the major contributions include a wheel chair lift, a glass washer for the lounge, new drapery throughout the building, half of the cost of the cafeteria dishwasher, a stair crawler and a major contribution toward the construction of a dumb-waiter. The Ladies’Auxiliary supports the community through student bursaries for local students, sponsor local students to the Legion Track & Field Camp, support local hospitals and charities. They continue to raise funds through bingos, teas, raffles, and catering. They discontinued their monthly dance, as their patrons were no longer able to support them, due to age and illness. The Ladies’ Auxiliary continues to assist with the Annual Poppy Campaign, visit Veterans and members in Care Homes and Wascana Rehab. Vets Wing, assist with the purchase of Christmas gifts for Veterans in Care Homes, Wascana Rehab. and their own shut-in members. Veterans in these facilities are sent a card and a small monetary gift on their birthday. The LA play bingo with and supply lunch to Veterans in Wascana Rehab. on a monthly basis. They also supply a monthly lunch for Wascana Happy Hour. The LA Curling Team was well known throughout the province, however, due to age, that has been disconintinued. They do still golf, mostly par 3. The Ladies’ Auxiliary to Regina Branch 1 celebrated their 75th Anniversary in 2005. They pledged their continued support and dedication to the Royal Canadian Legion, Regina Branch 1, its aims and objects. REGINA BRANCH 1
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