Whitecourt Legion celebrates milestone

Ninety years have come and gone for the Whitecourt Royal Canadian Legion Branch #44. On Saturday, April 22, veterans, dignitaries, and community members came together to celebrate the building’s birthday and to remember those who gave everything for their country’s people.

Those who took in the celebration were treated to entertaining performances by both the Highland Dancers and the Air Cadet Drum Line.  Along two walls were historic displays featuring scrapbooks, awards, and countless pictures. One of the scrapbook displays showed the parade float the Whitecourt Legion entered in the 1980 Rodeo Parade for which they won second place.

The displays brought back memories for many as they recounted events and people from their past. After the performances ended, Legion President Kyle Scott started the speech portion of the afternoon. “The Royal Canadian Legion was started in response to the needs of the veterans who returned from WW1. In 1925, different groups met to help the disabled, sick, aged, and needy and these groups also wanted to have meeting places for the veterans. The following year, the Canadian Legion was officially formed,” recounted Kyle.

The Whitecourt Royal Canadian Legion Branch #44 was founded in 1927 and at the time was called the Great War Veterans Association. “It was formed by 35 men from Whitecourt, Lonira, and what is now Blue Ridge who saw service in the 1st world war. The land which the hall currently resides on was donated by Captain John Wellwood RCAMC.” Kyle spoke of how the veterans were successful in petitioning the local government for 30,000 feet of logs to be cut in order to build the hall. “Sadly, Captain Wellwood would not live to see this completed as he passed away in December 1920 from the effects of being gassed while he was serving in France.”

Several awards were handed out to Legion members including special coins to thank those who go above and beyond. “We started with 10 of them today because I could’ve been here all day thanking people for all their contributions,” laughed Kyle. “We have a very strong group of people here that work well together. We just wanted to take the opportunity to thank them.”

Whitecourt Mayor Maryann Chichak and Woodlands County Mayor Jim Rennie were in attendance and spoke to the crowd. “Over the past 90 years the role of our Legion has evolved and expanded. Not only do we continue to remember those who served us in the past, I commend the Legion for the various events and participation in our community. It’s been amazing,” said Chichak.

Mayor Rennie recounted his memories of growing up at the Legion and beamed with pride at having the opportunity to wear its new, 25-year Legion member pin. “I joined the Legion because of my grandfather who served in WW2. He raised his family in Whitecourt just as I’m raising mine, and I want to make sure that my children become Legion members, too, because it’s the best way to remember those close to us who helped keep our country safe.”

Also on hand was Area A Commander District 8, Robert Peterson, who brought greetings from District Commander Wayne Willis, and a certificate from Command President Chris Strong to commemorate the occasion.  MLA Oneil Carlier sent his congratulations as well as a celebratory plaque.

The Legion lounge is open Thursday to Saturday starting at 2:30 p.m. and everyone is invited to enjoy the facility. “We have meat draws on Saturday, drop-in darts on Friday nights, and crib Saturday morning. You don’t have to be a veteran; we are trying to dispel that old rumour. Anybody who wants to come is welcome and you can have kids here until about 8 p.m. We are happy to have them,” said Kyle.