Although the COVID-19 pandemic has forced cancellation of formal Legion Week activities this year, local officials turned out last week for some formal flag raising ceremonies.
Members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 18 in Wallaceburg held a flag raising ceremony on Friday, September 18, 2020.
They were joined by Wallaceburg Councillors Carmen McGregor and Aaron Hall.
“A smaller contingent that usual but the job was still done,” Branch 18 officials said on social media.
At a flag raising ceremony held at the Civic Centre in Chatham, Zone A3 Commander Len Maynard said it is important to note that although the pandemic has brought about changes, the work of the Legion goes on.
Mayor Darrin Canniff echoed Maynard’s sentiment, saying it is important to recognize the community and nation’s valued institutions, especially in times of crisis.
Both men invited the public to drop in to any of the 10 branches in this area during Legion Week while observing branch protocols.
“If you are unsure as to what branch hours of operations are or when we may be hosting a lunch, give the branch a call,” Maynard said in a media release.
“We need your support and the veterans certainly appreciate it.”
Maynard was joined in the brief flag-raising ceremony by Len Drouillard, Deputy Commander and Sgt.-at-Arms, Anthony Walsh, Treasurer and senior officer and Brian McCabe, Public Relations Officer.
Although recognizing the sacrifice and contribution Canada’s military men and women have made to our freedom remains at the core of the Legion, membership is no longer restricted to veterans of Canada’s armed forces, Municipal officials say.
There are more than 1,400 Legion branches across Canada with in excess of a quarter of a million members.
