The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 93 The Canadian Legion was founded in 1925-26 by the amalgamation of several Veterans' organizations, which had been formed after the Boer War and the Great War of 1914-18. The name was later changed to The Royal Canadian Legion when the title "Royal" was conferred by Her Majesty the Queen in 1960. Wadena Veterans had formed a Branch of the Great War Veterans' Association in 1917 and in 1926 started the Wadena Branch #62 of the Canadian Legion with S. Rutherford, President, and G. Jenkins as Secretary/Treasurer. The GWVA Hall was used by the Branch for a few years but was later given up and plans were made to build another hall. Meetings were held in various places in town, including the CNR station, curling rink and Jenkins' store. In 1933, the Branch was able to purchase the old power building from the town and with the lumber salvaged from its new hall, 28’ x 48’, was built on Main Street, where Indy’s Restaurant now stands. This hall served the Branch and the community until 1949 when it was sold to become a poolroom and barbershop. In 1946, the hall was rented to J. L. Hicks for several weeks when he had lost his hard-ware store in a fire. The present hall, which was built in 1949, was named the Legion Memorial Hall in memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of their country. Some of the material used in the hall came from the airport buildings at Dafoe. As it was the largest hall in town, it served in many capacities, such as for dances, weddings, meetings of all kinds and bingos. In 1950, it was used for a short time for school classes. The Wadena Kinsmen Club, having contributed some money toward building the hall, used part of the hall for their meetings until they built their own hall (1965) across the street. The Canadian Legion was first formed to help needy Veterans, their widows and dependents, and to support worthwhile projects in the community. This they have done to the best of their ability and have contributed to minor sports, track and field, Cubs and Scouts. They have also helped furnish a hospital ward, Level IV furniture and school playground equipment. The Legion maintains a poppy fund from sales of poppies and wreaths on Remembrance Day. This fund can only be used for needy Veterans and other special purposes. Sons and daughters of Veterans can now join the Legion as Associate members who can be full voting members and hold office. It is through their participation that the organization will be able to continue. The Legion Auxiliary members hold their meetings on the same evening as the Legion. They have supported the Legion in its endeavors over the years and the Legion members are very appreciative of their moral and monetary support. Every November 11th both Legion and Auxiliary members parade from downtown to the hall, and after opening ceremonies, hold a memorial service with the reading of the honor roll and laying of wreaths. The service is led by one or two of the local clergy and is well supported by the community. A dinner is served to the public following the service and Veterans unable to attend are visited. The Legion and Auxiliary members sing some of the old war songs at the hall and in Weneeda Park lodge after the festivities. The colors of the 214th Battalion, which was recruited in Wadena and district in 1916, are carried in the parade as well as the Canadian flag, Union Jack, Saskatchewan flag and the Legion and Auxiliary flags. In 1985, six million tulips were ordered from Holland and sold by the Legion all across Canada to be planted in the fall so they would bloom in the spring of 1986, thus commemorating the Legion’s 60th jubilee year. Wadena Branch sold 3,900 tulips with the help of the elementary school pupils. A special Legion Memorial Book was presented to each school and the local library. The theme of the Legion Jubilee Celebration was "Pride in our past - Faith in our future." I am sure this will continue to be our theme as long as there is a Legion. LADIES’ AUXILIARY TO WADENA BRANCH 62 The Auxiliary to the Canadian Legion was formed June 28, 1928 in Wadena with Mrs. G. Jenkins as organizing secretary. The following officers were elected: Honorary President, Mrs. Currie (who bad six sons in the service, one of them paying the supreme sacrifice); President, Mrs. N. Rollins; first Vice-President, Miss K. Gregory; second Vice-President, Mrs. G. Gillespie; Secretary/Treasurer, Mrs. Willoughby; executive committee, Mrs. Saunders. Mrs. Eyre, Mrs. Hyslop and Mrs. McDougall. During this year, the group raised $140 to care for veterans and their families. The charter was drawn up in 1930 with the following names: Mary Rollins, Kathleen Gregory, Helen Jenkins, Jean Miller, Jessie Saunders, Catherine McLellan, Isabelle Brown, Ethel Nunns, Lillian Lockyer, Amanda Jenkins, Emma Hayes, Alice Waterman, Eleanor Hall and Henrietta Gillespie. From 1928-48, with the exception of one year when Mrs. Ostry took over, Mrs. Rollins continued as President, for which she was awarded the President's Jewel. At the same time, Mrs. W. Hayes received a Life membership pin, having been the standard-bearer for many years. In 1930 the Auxiliary set up a scholarship for a Veteran's child, through which tuition, books and board were paid. The first one was won by Evelyn Sorrell of Clair. Since the war a sum of money is paid into headquarters from where scholarships are given throughout the province. Work at the cemetery has been one of the main projects of the Auxiliary. Through their efforts hundreds of shrubs and plants have been placed there. From 1930-45 the group did a lot of relief for Veterans and other families, at one time working with the town relief committee. They packed parcels, made quilts and layettes and collected new and used clothing and distributed them. The selling of poppies and wreaths helped needy Veterans as well. by Ross McPherson WADENA BRANCH 62
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