June President Report
June began with honouring our Veterans resting in Hillside Cemetery on Decoration Day. In preparation for this annual event, on June 1 we gathered at the Cemetery and cleaned the headstones. Then we placed poppies on many headstones throughout the cemetery. Other headstones in the Field of Honour were left for the formal Ceremony on June 2. The cleaning was spear headed by Wes Krause and the CAVs. Much thanks to them and all the other volunteers who showed up to help with the cleaning and prepping for the ceremony on Decoration Day. A special thank you to the Remand Centre for bringing volunteers to clean the grounds around the headstones. These volunteers did a great job. Certificates of appreciation were presented to Wes Krause , the SALH and to the Remand Centre.
The Ceremony was a wonderful celebration of Remembrance to honour these veterans. Thanks to all Legion members who participated or attended, the South Alberta Light Horse and the Army, Navy and Air Cadets. Thanks as well to Gary Wilson as Acting Sgt-at- Arms and all those who volunteered for the colour party. Our Padre Ron MacDonald led the ceremony and the wreath laying and Bill Wahl was our bugler. Many thanks to them as well for their contribution to this service..
Also, thanks to all the Legion members who helped in any way or attended, thanks to all the military representatives who attended and laid the wreaths, thanks to all the cadets, their leaders and parents who attended and thank you to the Citizens of Medicine Hat. This was the best attended Decoration Day in many years. Thanks to all for honouring our Veterans for their service.
The summer months means that our Legion Canteen business is way down and that there are few to no customers during these days. Therefore, as a cost saving measure, the Canteen will be closed both Monday and Tuesday starting in July. The Office and Schooners Pub will both be open. You can still come down for lunch in the Schooners Pub every day of the week.
We still have $5.00 a day pool in the Legion and Schooners Pub during the months of June, July and August. Come on down and play pool and have lunch and bring your friends.
As you know we have a loonie draw open to all paid up members. It appears there are a few individuals who are just putting in 25 cents and not a loonie or at times signing in without putting anything in. This is only hurting the members and is really unethical. This is reminder that we have cameras that are fully operational and even though this is not a lot of money it is the whole idea that someone is trying to win the Loonie pot without putting in a loonie.
July 5th and 6th our Legion will be hosting 8 Ball Pool under the guidance of Kim Bohnet. Come on down and meet pool players from all over the province during the 55plus games. Enjoy a lunch and watch some great pool. We expect to have at least 50 athletes altogether during the day.
On Stampede Parade Day, July 24th, there will be no breakfast served at the Legion but there will be a delicious lunch special: BBQ Beef on a bun, baked beans, coleslaw for $8.00. Our Music for the afternoon will be provided by Neil Sedlecki. Also, the Veiner Line Dancers will be giving a display of their dance moves and will be inviting customers to join in and learn some new steps. Everyone is welcome as this is our membership drive and the Legion is open to the Public.
We will need “all hands on deck” during the Stampede Week, 23rd -26th, to work in our Booth at the Stampede Grounds. Sandy Morrice has volunteered to organize this. Please call him or the Office to let us know and thank you in advance for helping with this important fund raiser for our Branch. If you have time to do a shift at the Mall in the next few weeks on a Saturday, to sell Cash Draw tickets, please let the Office know.
I would like to thank all those who attend the Poppy Services for our Veterans. This Service of Remembrance is much appreciated by the families. If you would like to be part of this service please call the office and we will add you to the list.
The Royal Canadian Legion Medals of Excellence were presented to the Army, Sea and Air Cadets who were recommended by their leaders as meeting the very high standards necessary to receive this award. Congratulations is extended to each of these fine cadets. I would like to thank Wayne Donner and Gary Wilson for helping me with the presentations.
Our Meat Raffles and Chase the President are doing very well. Once again we could sure use volunteers to help from time to time. Our Legion will be working a Casino the end of August but the volunteers have already signed up. Thank you to you all.
Please try to support our Legion during the summer months. We have a delicious varied menu with specials every day. Bring your friends or your grandchildren as there are lots of items that kids would love. We have a super cook and all the soups and sandwiches and pizzas are homemade. Thank you Diane and Amanda and thank you to our staff who are committed to our Legion and helping Veterans.
Have a safe and happy summer.
Respectfully submitted,
Sheila Donner
President
