Ponoka Legion members held a night of celebration for the hard work of its members.
Held Oct. 20, the annual awards evening is a special time for a Legion that is extremely busy in the Town of Ponoka.
Co-organizer for the event Craig Paterson (Dorothy Houghton was the other organizer) said the evening is an opportunity to recognize the people who put in many hours for the organization. It’s also a time to recognize those who have been with the Legion for a while.
Pins were handed out for every five years a member is part of the Legion.
“We’re giving out several five year pins, all the way up to one individual who is getting a 55 year pin,” said Paterson of J.R. Anderson’s 55 years.
The Legion’s longevity and success can partly be attributed to opening up its membership to not only ordinary members (former military) but also to associate members (family of veterans), and affiliate members who have no connection to the military but want to join as a service.
The main function of the Legion continues, however, and that is to support veterans of Canadian forces.
“The public has recognized what a valuable and what an outstanding heritage we have,” said Paterson.
The big awards of the evening were passed on to Marlene Ferguson who earned a Branch Service Medal, for her dedication to the Legion.
Ferguson has been a dedicated 24-year associate member for the Legion putting in many hours. “Just having the Legion at heart and doing as much as possible,” said Ferguson.
She was completely surprised by the nomination and said it’s just something she has always enjoyed.
“I was a Legion brat. I was brought up at the Legion with my dad,” said Ferguson.
“It’s not a job for me. It’s fun.”
She is proud to be able to be part of the legacy of her father. “I just know he’s looking down and smiling at me.”
Legion president Barb Olsen also received a special award, a lifetime membership. Olsen has been with the Legion for the last 45 years.
“I joined my dad’s Legion in Calgary,” said Olsen of her start.
The work of the Legion is something she would like to continue. A prime example of that was when the organization took a big trip to Europe to tour old battle sites.
“There are people that are still doing memorial services every week in remembrance,” said Olsen.
“Our role of the Legion is to support the veterans and their families.”
She wants to continue that legacy, not just of the Legion, but of her parents. Olsen’s father was in the navy and air force in the Second World War, and her mother helped build airplanes during that time.
The other big award of the evening went to Jonathan Cameron (Cam) Kerr who received a Certificte of Appreciation for his involvement over the years.
jeff.heyden-kaye@ponokanews.com
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