KAMSACK — Norquay Legion marks 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrating years of peace and remembrance, with event held on May 8.
Laura Dahl, spokesperson for the event, says their legion branch has been in operation since after the Second World War, and at that time, membership was at an all-time high.
“Now we have 16 members, with no veterans and of those 16, only six are active members,” said Dahl.
Dahl said their May 9 barbecue event celebrates 80 years since the signing of the victory in Europe, referred to as VE Day, meaning Victory in Europe Day. It is a day celebrating the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8, 1945.
Several countries observe public holidays on May 9 each year, also referred to as Liberation Day or Victory Day. It was an emotional day that millions of people had been waiting for. Huge crowds gathered in large centres.
Dahl acknowledges that they do have a barbecue every year, but this one is special.
“Other events are limited due to our small membership, but we raise money by hosting Chase the Ace, which keeps us afloat.”
The Norquay Legion Branch provides $1,800 a year to the Remembrance Day poster and poem entries for Norquay and Sturgis students.
“Challenges to keep our branch alive is lack of interest in joining, but then many organizations face the same problem so we are not alone,” affirms Grant.
The Royal Canadian Legion had offered grants for local branches, which is a first in 80 years, says Dahl. They have been able to upgrade and do much-needed, major renovations to their building.
“We also offer our building free of charge to the Norquay School, which also duplicates as a music room as well as kindergarten events and book fair,” said Dahl.
The Norquay Legion’s remaining members have made a promise to the once active veterans to keep their Legion Branch #351 alive, and this amazing group has fulfilled that promise.
