The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 47 volunteer Fire Brigade, school sports. Members have participated in curling and golf. The unveiling of the cenotaph took place on June 17, 1951. This event was sponsored by the Ladies' Auxiliary whose charter was issued on February 22, 1949. Today the cenotaph is lighted 24/7 and bares the names of fallen comrades from WWI and WWII. The soldiers plot and other graves in the Kelvingrove Cemetery are marked with a Maple Leaf and for many years a Decoration Day was held on Father's Day in June, when every Veteran’s grave was marked with a Canadian flag. In September 1980, membership was 11 Life, 76 Ordinary, 53 Associate, 9 Honorary, and 5 Fraternal, for a total of 154. As of September 2006, there was one Life, 32 Ordinary, 82 Associate, 2 Affiliate voting, and 2 Affiliate non-voting members, for a total of 119. The Ladies' Auxiliary to Kelvington Branch 19 disbanded on December 31, 2003 after 54 years of service to their Branch and community. They spear-headed furnishings of the Legion Community Centre, did all the leg work to build the Legion Villa, Legion Manor and NorthView - low-rental units for senior citizens. Today, the Kelvington-Legion Community Centre is managed by the Associate members and a paid caretaker-maintenance person. Kelvington Legion Branch 19 is alive and well! KELVINGTON BRANCH 19 (...Cont’d) In the First World War, one hundred and twenty-eight men and one nursing sister served under arms from the Rocanville area. In 1919, Veterans of the service found themselves faced with problems of re-establishment, the need for companionships. Many ex-service men’s organizations were started. One of the largest was “The Great War Veterans Association.” A Branch (Sask. No. 20) was formed at Rocanville. Following World War I, the Rocanville Municipality 151, in recognition of, and appreciation for services rendered presented each returned soldier with a medal suitably engraved on the back: “Presented to______by Rocanville for Gallant Services in the Great War 1914-1918.” This presentation was made in May of 1919. Little did anyone realize then, on this happy day, that in 1946, the citizens of Rocanville and District would again be paying tribute to members of the Canadian Forces who had returned home after World War II, 1939-45; and remembering and honoring the boys who had paid the Supreme Sacrifice. Signet rings with the Saskatchewan Emblem on them (Three Sheaves), Rocanville and District, were presented to each soldier. In 1924, the Great War Veterans Association and several other Veterans organizations amalgamated to form the Canadian Legion BESL. In 1926, the Cenotaph in front of the C.P.R. Station was unveiled in memory of the men who gave their lives. Prior to 1931, a Decoration Day Service was at the Cenotaph in June of each year. The first Remembrance Day service was held on November 11th, 1931 in the United Church. The parade was led by the local band, with school children from the village and country, the Legion and Ladies’ Auxiliary, marching from the school to the cenotaph, then to the church. An impressive service was held. The service on November 11th is still a yearly event. The first meeting of the Legion was held in the Orangeman’s Hall. Several other buildings were used. In 1953, an old store owned by E.E. Plummer was bought. A new hall was built in memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice and to honour those who served in the two World Wars. The Hall was dedicated on Thursday, May 25, 1950, before an audience of over 500 people. Members of the Legion and Ladies’Auxiliary attended. The cenotaph was moved from the former place to along-side the new hall. It is possible that the biggest challenge came in 1959 - assuming the responsibility for the recently completed community hall. Meetings took place in what was now the Legion Memorial Hall. Throughout the years, the Legion Branch, with the assistance of the Ladies’ Auxiliary have sponsored many carnivals, sports days, raffles, bingos, minor ball and hockey. They have also canvassed for the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Mental Health, CNIB, Cancer Society,and the March of Dimes. The Ladies went door-to-door selling poppies. A collection was taken at the Remembrance Services and given to the Junior Red Cross. In 1981, the Memorial Hall became the responsibility of a younger group. Arrangements were made to retain the cloakroom section as a club room for monthly meetings. Since that period, the Rocanville Legion has seen the passing of its few remaining founding members and several veterans of World War II. Today, the activities are limited. They still look after the Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11th each year and sponsor the Literary and Poster competition at the school, which is associated with Remembrance Day. ROCANVILLE BRANCH 20
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