June 25 marked the grand re-opening celebrations for the Neilburg Legion Branch No. 135 as they proudly displayed the remodelled Legion Hut for all to see.
President Ken Ostensoe was the MC for the brief program. He introduced the dignitaries in attendance, which included: Pat Varga of Coleville, who is the dominion president; her husband, Lorne Varga, the provincial District 3 commander, zone commander and deputy district commander; Al Hemmingway and the vice-president of Neilburg Branch No. 135, Jerry Petovello.
Petovello gave a brief history of the branch and of the building itself. He stated the Neilburg branch (then known as Manitou Lake) began back in November 1947 with just 12 comrades. In 1948 they completed work on their Legion Hut, with the finances having been raised from dances and raffles. In 1952 a Legion Ladies' Auxiliary was formed.
A branch in Freemont also began in 1947 with 12 founding members. In 1953 the Manitou Lake Branch amalgamated with the Freemont Branch to become Neilburg Branch No. 135. At that time, the Freemont Legion Hut was moved to Neilburg and joined to the existing building. You can still see the join (where the two buildings meet) in the ceiling.
In 1955 the organization built on a kitchen. The ladies' auxiliary disbanded in 1993, due to lack of members. Many of the ladies have become members of the Legion itself. In 1995 the Neilburg Branch began the tradition of holding suppers for Robbie Burns Night, as well as brunches for Mother's Day and Father's Day. In 2000, planning for the memorial park began, with the official opening of this green space in 2003.
In 2005, a decision was made to build a new Legion Hut and fundraising began in earnest. However, plans later had to be scaled back as it didn't seem advisable to construct a new building at this time. Consequently, the funds raised were utilized to give the old Legion Hut a "new lease on life."
"This has increased the value of the building," explained Ostensoe, who suggested a new building could still be an option some time in the future.
Pat Varga thanked the veterans for their sacrifices over the years. She said, "We give back to our community with our hands and with our money. That's our role. We hope to continue this work in the memory of our veterans."
She congratulated the branch and said she was "glad to be there."
Grant Doolittle gave special thanks to Ostensoe and his wife, Marilyn, for their tireless work in organizing the remodelling of the hut.
"It is good to see you are all still active and thriving within your community," said Hemmingway, the zone commander and deputy district commander. "I hope to see it continue in the future.
Ostensoe and treasurer Everett Putnam made a cheque presentation to Grant Doolittle to assist him with the installation of a lift in his personal residence.
Presentations for long service were made to Maurice Lane and Grant Doolittle (for 50 years) and to Russell Goodfellow (65 years). Unable to be present to receive long service awards were Les Graham (formerly of Marsden) who was a 60-year recipient and George Ford who received recognition for 55 years.
After a ribbon cutting ceremony, the weather co-operated and the group marched to the Memorial Park to lay two wreaths. Piper, Earl Nutbrown led the procession with Glenn Goodfellow, Jerry Petovello, Everett Putnam and Joe Hodd (of Marshall) as flag bearers.
After the wreath laying ceremony, those gathered returned to the Legion Hut to socialize and to enjoy a barbecue steak supper.
