By now most people have seen members of the Royal Canadian Legion canvassing the countryside raising awareness through its poppy campaign.
Support for Ponoka’s Legion has always been strong, explained president Sybil Evans. Some of that is partly due to an active membership within Ponoka that is closely involved in community efforts.
Members of Ponoka’s Legion toured stores and offices in town Friday, Oct. 31 providing the recognized poppies to anyone willing to donate money to the program. Funds from the campaign supports Legion initiatives.
Evans says the Legion has one main purpose: “To look after veterans and their families, past and present.”
“I do enjoy the part that the Legion plays in the community as well…I believe in it,” she added.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and many organizations are putting special effort in remembering the countless stories that changed the world for many years. Evans says the Legion is once again hosting a march and ceremony for Remembrance Day starting at Cilantro and Chive.
Members of the Legion, RCMP, the Ponoka Air Cadets and the Edmonton Transit Pipes and Drums band will be in attendance.
“Of course the RCMP walks with us, the Air Cadets, the Scouts and Guides,” said Evans of the march.
She says the ceremony is always well attended. “First of all, it’s a thank you to all the veterans who have served.”
Future veterans and current soldiers are also recognized during the ceremony, she added. Soldiers, cooks, drivers, mechanics and many of the support staff needed to help are recognized during the solemn occasion.
Remembrance Day is also an opportunity to give a younger generation, too young to have taken part in past wars, a chance to pause and remember. Evans says it is “a reminder to upcoming generations of sacrifices that these veterans have made.”
Planning for the ceremony is a lot of work and time but Evans says it is worth the effort. Members get personal satisfaction in ensuring that veterans are remembered. She feels there is still work to be done, though. Evans referred to a food bank in Calgary dedicated to veterans’ needs.
“That just doesn’t seem right,” she said.
Legion members march Nov. 11 sometime after 10 a.m. past the cenotaph and then into the main hall — The Veterans Memorial Auditorium — where the ceremony will lead attendees to the 11th hour, marking the end of fighting between the Allies and Germany.
Afterwards a fellowship potluck will be held where the Edmonton Transit Band has always entertained people. Evans says the potluck is a bit of a tradition where veterans used to swap stories and reminisce, not only of fond memories, but also to discuss the trying times.
Poster and poetry contest
The Royal Canadian Legion’s poster and literacy contests are underway and Evans encourages youths looking to channel their creativity to enter.
Judging starts at the local level and then winners are sent to the district, then the provincial level and if they win, then to the dominion level. Evans said Ponoka has had a second place winner at the dominion level.