The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 269 The Branch was founded on April 4, 1946 with twenty-one members. The Ladies’Auxiliary received its Charter on June 6, 1956, with sixteen active members. The Legion has sponsored many sporting events over the years. Initially, meetings were held in various halls and meeting rooms in the village, until 1960 when land was purchased from the village and an old one-room school house was purchased from the School Board and moved to Montmartre for a Legion Hall. The Hall was rented out for various dances and social events until it was sold in 1975. Since that time, the Legion has held its meetings in the local Seniors Hall. The Ladies’ Auxiliary was active until the end of 2000, when it was disbanded. Currently, the Branch has 4 Life members, 5 Regular members, and 16 Associate members. The Regular and Life Members include eight WWII and one Korean War Veterans. The Branch sponsors the local Army Cadets, which has enrollment from surrounding communities. Students from Montmartre, Odessa and Vibank are involved in the Essay, Poetry and Poster Competition and many have won awards. Our Remembrance Day Services are well attended with many people traveling several miles to attend. MONTMARTRE BRANCH 279 Willow Bunch Branch #287 received its Charter on May 29, 1946. Charter members were: A. Berard, L. Berard, C. Bonneau, G.A. Bullis, J.M. Caplette, G. Duperreault, R.E. Gosselin, J.A. Gourley, J. Lacerte, E. LaPointe, A. Legare, S. Millar, L. Mondor, A. Rainville, M. Rainville, E. Rodrique, S.G. Sylvestre and D. Wood. Sylvio Sylvestre obtained permission to start a Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Willow Bunch. Sylvio, Secretary/Treasurer until 1970, climbed the ladder of Provincial Command to become President. In 1963-64, Sylvio and Don Johnson (Assiniboia) had a dream of "Hands Across the Border," which later became reality with the birth of the "49th Parallel Days." Paul Emile Mondor, very active in the local Legion, hosted Legion events in his home. In 1964, a site was purchased and a former hall/school was moved onto the site to become the Legion Hall. Sunday nights were bingo night. In the late 1940s, and early 1950s, the Legion paid for a hotel room and two meals for transient Legion members. Members were active in 49th Parallel Days with other Branches. There is a November 11th Memorial Service, with presentation of crosses and wreaths for the public, followed by lunch for Legion and Auxiliary, then meetings in the afternoon. Legion members used to host a November 11th supper and dance each year for the general public as a fundraising event. Currently, fellowship follows with supper at the restaurant and sometimes cards at the hall. Remembrance Day Service at the school is supported by a Colour Party from the Legion. The Legion has bought various pieces of medical equipment, and a wheelchair for public use was purchased, which can be leased through the clinic. In September 2004, Legion members bought a brass plaque, "Lest We Forget," with different wars on it and the Legion Crest. Willow Bunch Legion has been a huge supporter of the Royal Canadian Legion Essay, Poem and Poster Contest Winners for Zone, District and Provincial Levels. Many students participate, with several winning at the Zone and the District levels, and in 2005, there was a Provincial winner from Willow Bunch. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO WILLOW BUNCH BRANCH 287 The Legion Ladies’Auxiliary #287 was formed on June 8, 1974. Charter members were: Lila Fisher, Judith Fortier, Mary Joyal, Luela Buckler, Liliane Joyal, Janet Grey, Louise Boisvert, Edith Wood, Cecile Sylvestre, Gloria Gosselin, Olga Philippon, Marion Buckler, Jacqueline Patterson, Evelyn Philippon, Genevieve Millar, Shirley Delorme, Jeanne Burnay, Elizabeth Fontaine, Cecile Giraudier, Estelle Gosselin, Doreen Gosselin, Henriette Fitzpatrick, and Barbara Mainil. Curling was the predominant activity in the 1980s. The Willow Bunch curling team competed in the Provincial Play-downs. Members of the Auxiliary have taken part in Zone Cribbage and other Zone activities. One fundraiser was a Card Party with a Penny Arcade table in March/April. The Auxiliary held various fundraisers and made donations to Veterans Comfort Fund, Hand of Friendship, Telemiracle, Music Festival, School Year Book, Scholarships, Student Track and Field, Air Cadets, Brownies, Guides, Paraplegic Fund, Home Care for equipment, Tourism for the town's 125th Celebrations, Community projector and screen, Red Cross, Salvation Army, C.N.I.B., and Learning Disabilities. On September 8, 2004, the Legion Ladies' Auxiliary disbanded. Several Auxiliary members joined the Legion. WILLOW BUNCH BRANCH 287
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM0NTk1OA==