The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command Commemorative History Booklet 288 Following World War II, the returned service men of Pathlow and District met to form a Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. They obtained their charter on February 13, 1948. Charter members were: N. Ambler, A. Bedard, J. Bedard, M. Boulanger, E. Collins, R. Dewar, A. Fagnou, A. Hillier, A. Johnson, G. Kerr, E. Kruger, E. Morton, W. Mckay, A. Olsen. H. Olds, M. Rice, M. Sawchuk, C. Sorenson, J. Storey, and J. Tait. Membership increased to seventy-five members, but now has declined to nineteen. Monthly meetings were held in the Orange Hall until the Branch took over the administration of the Community Hall, where future meetings were held. During this time, considerable improvements were made in the hall. Another community project at that time was to help build sidewalks in the Village of Pathlow. Circa 1960, the Branch purchased Pathlow Heights County School for their Legion building, moved it into Pathlow and turned the hall back to the community. A Cenotaph honouring local men killed in action was built nearby and dedicated in 1971 at an outdoor church service. The Branch has been an active service club in the community, supporting local and minor sports, Air Cadet League and November 11th services, as well as National Appeals, such as Telemiracle, Paraplegic Association, Donor's Choice, Veteran's Comfort Fund, etc. In May 1949, the Ladies’ Auxiliary was formed, obtaining their charter on May 14, 1949. Charter members were: M. Collins, R. Wright, M. Sager, D. Ambler, J. Bedard, P. Dewar, B. Morton, E. Olsen, V. Storey, R. Sawchuk, M. Ambler, A. Bedard, E. Boulanger, M. Graham, M. Murray, and J. Trent The Ladies’ Auxiliary’s main projects were Veteran's Comfort and Bursary Funds, "Hand of Friendship," and the local Air Cadets. They took part in Legion Auxiliary functions at Zone and District levels, including curling, cards, horseshoe tournaments, etc., and Zone and District Rallies. Funds were raised by holding card parties, teas, dances, tournaments, socials, etc. They always commemorated Vimy and Poppy Days with a fund raising tea. The Ladies’ Auxiliary played an important part in all Branch activities. In 1992, due to the decline of Legion membership, the Ladies’ Auxiliary turned in their charter and joined the Legion Branch as Associate members. November 11th has always been the focal point of Branch activities. Services alternated between Pathlow and St. Brieux Villages, until accommodation was no longer available in Pathlow. They now hold services in St. Brieux, which are always well supported. The Branch attends Remembrance Day services at Pleasantdale and St. Brieux schools, which, under leadership of their teachers, have very impressive ceremonies. In October 2004, the Branch invited the Rt. Honourable Dr. Linda Haverstock, Lt. Governor of Saskatchewan, to speak to students of the St. Brieux, Pleasantdale, and Sylvania Schools, and local Air Cadets in the St. Brieux School on the meaning of Remembrance Day. As a result, students have become more involved in the literary contests that are offered Dominion-wide. In June, the Branch remembers departed Veterans with a Decoration Day service in six local cemeteries: St. Brieux, Kermaria, Little Moose, Lake Ignace, Flett Springs and Beatty. Members place a Canadian Flag in a red, white and blue stand at each gravesite. They also join Melfort at their Decoration Day service, honouring Veterans in the Melfort Cemetery. Because of declining population and scattered families, the Branch is not growing, but still remains an active Branch. PATHLOW BRANCH 344 On April 5, 1948, a number of Veterans got together to form a Legion Branch in Colonsay, Sask. On April 23, 1948, they received their charter. The President was E. Bates; Vice President was A. Kirk; Secretary/Treasurer was J. Flavel; Sgt. At Arms was A. Harris; Executive members were Comrades Watts, Leary, Payne, Eley and Specken. The Legion sponsored the Colonsay Sports Days. Admission was 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for students. They organized the drive for the Memorial Rink. A car was raffled and $5000.00 was turned over to the new rink, which was built in the early 1950’s. In 1953, J. Cheasley donated the building, which is still our Legion Hut. The Legion sells poppies and wreaths every year. The proceeds from this goes to needy veterans. They also hold a service each November 11th. In 1963, Rev. D. Johns dedicated our cenotaph. Over the years, the Legion has sponsored Scouts and Brownies, and have sent young students to the Track and Field Camp. In 1971, the Legion built a camp kitchen in the park by the swimming pool. Money and labour has been donated by the Legion to the Swimming pool, the District Sports Centre and to individual participants in charitable and sports events. In addition, they have sent money to other worthy causes. In September of 1998, the 50th Anniversary of Branch 345 was celebrated with a special cake. A plaque commemorating the Korean War Veterans was installed on our own Cenotaph. In the year 2000, the Saskatchewan Command Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary disbanded. As a result of this, and with declining enrolment, the women of the former Ladies’ Auxiliary became full fledged members of the Legion in December of 2003. Branch 345 had their first official meeting as a combined group in January of 2004. The past year finds enrolment in the Branch again declining. The Branch is striving to remain as a Legion group, but less active in fundraising events. The main priority will be Remembrance Day and activities connected to this important event. We Will Remember Them! COLONSAY BRANCH 345
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