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Jeff Green | Sep 14, 2006

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ArdenLegion rocks inLegionWeek

by Rev. Jean Brown

The third week in September (Sept 17-24), by an official declaration of the Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, has been declared Legion Week in Canada to honour the Legion, veterans and their families who contribute to society by sponsoring sports, youth programs, seniors’ programs, community events, and supporting various organizations. The year 2006 marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Legion and Arden ’s Gordon Gaylord Legion Branch 334 has many plans to recognize this special heritage. The plans include a complimentary Veterans Appreciation Turkey Dinner for all area veterans, whether Legion members or not, on Sunday, Sept 24 at 4 p.m. as a way to thank and recognize the veterans. Reservations are required so it can be determined how much food needs to be prepared. The general public is also welcome to reserve and to come as paying guests.

Branch 334 is also hosting its annual fall car rally on Saturday, Sept 23. The “Triple C Poker Rally” will include a challenging and exciting route, lots of fun, and a hot home-made soup supper for the participants. Pre-registration is required for this fun-filled event, that last year was a great success.

As well, Branch 334 Arden is getting a Community Emergency Fund organized, and to that end is raffling off tickets on a quilt and afghan made by Marie Deline. The draw will take place in December.

Future plans include a Christmas Tree of Remembrance, whereby folks can place the name of their departed loved ones on an angel as a way to cherish their memories at Christmas time.

The Royal Canadian Legion represents a living heritage and warrants our admiration for their sacrifices and for the way they give back to their communities by raising funds to assist local and regional organizations, medical centres, and communities affected by natural disasters, and in training the youth of the benefits of peace. In addition, funds are raised for ex-service personnel and their dependents and the youth are taught about the contributions and offerings of our veterans. It's important for everyone to remember the sacrifices of all the men and women who have served our country in times of peace or war. By understanding the nature of those sacrifices, we are able to better appreciate the rights and freedoms secured by our veterans and Peace Keepers and set our sights on promoting peace.

Legion Week is one more way we can thank Canadian veterans and today’s military personnel and peace keeping units for their courage. It’s also a chance to pay tribute to the work they do every day helping build strong communities that embrace the freedom and opportunities they fought to preserve.