The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 69 War veterans in Shaunavon met on June 15, 1918, to consider forming a Branch of the Great War Veterans Association. At a meeting on January 19, 1919, twenty-three men applied for membership. In March 1920, the group approached the town concerning setting aside a section in Hillcrest Cemetery, south of town for a Soldiers' Plot. It is still in use, and veterans' spouses have joined them. Recently, care of the plot was turned over to town employees for upkeep. When Earl Haig advocated the formation of Legion branches as part of the British Empire Service League, the local Veterans transferred, and received their charter on October 9, 1926. Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #40, had 10 members listed. Meetings were held in the Town Hall until the Legion purchased a building from Lieut. Col. G.L. Greenlay for $1,200.00 in 1930. It became a popular meeting place for local activities and it did not take long to retire the debt. In 1948, a building next to the Legion Hall, which was the "Orange Hall," was purchased and joined to it, and renovations followed. In 1969, the Dominion Government bought the original hall, and in April it was torn down to make way for a new Post Office. The Legion continued to use the remaining hall until purchasing the former "Macdonalds Consolidated" building in 1970, which they renovated. On January 3, 1986, a 1,000-square-foot addition to the hall was opened. It had excellent kitchen facilities, dance floor, large parking area and outdoor lawn area, which are all added features. Activities in the Legion Halls have been farewells, card parties, meetings, school reunions, banquets, "Old Tyme" dances (which continue even now most Thursday evenings), Remembrance Day services, teas, and in the past, even vaudeville shows, boxing matches, and minstrel shows. The Legion sponsors the local Air Cadet Squadron providing space for their activities. The Squadron assists the Legion at Poppy time in November. A cenotaph in the park was built in 1925-26 from monetary and stone donations. It was built as a tribute to those who served in World War I. The Legion added plaques to honor Veterans of World War II (with names of local men killed) and the Korean War, 1950-1953. During war years, the Legion sent parcels to those serving overseas, clothes to Britain, and held banquets for returned men. Money from the Poppy Campaign enables the Legion to purchase needed equipment for the local hospital or health facilities at Eastend or Climax since their Legions disbanded. Membership has naturally decreased, but the Branch is fortunate to have some Associate members to keep them going. At present, all of the officers at present are Associates. Present membership of the Legion is 93. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO SHAUNAVON BRANCH 40 The Ladies’ Auxiliary to Branch 40 received their charter in 1926 with sixteen ladies as members. They, like the men, have taken part in curling, bowling, golfing, cribbage, both locally and at other branches. They have helped at "Vimy" banquets, rummage sales, Poppy sales, and socials, plus catered to weddings and meetings. A room at the hospital was furnished by them, and they held the birthday parties at the "Lodge" and the Nursing Home, and assisted at blood donor clinics. The Remembrance Day Poster and Essay entries from schools in Shaunavon, Climax, Frontier and Eastend are in charge of the Auxiliary. "Meals on Wheels" are delivered from the hospital kitchen to designated residents at noon by both the Legion and Auxiliary, and both provide scholarships to High School graduates who continue their education. Students who have attended the Legion Sports Camp or other worthy educational ventures have received monetary help. Present membership of the Auxiliary is 27. Although the Auxiliary is no longer a part of Provincial Command, they continue to meet in the springtime to decide on scholarships and in the fall to help with "Poppy" events. SHAUNAVON BRANCH 40
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