麻豆传媒AV

ESTEVAN — The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion paid tribute to its dedicated members and supportive community partners during its annual Vimy Awards Night, held April 12 at the Legion Hall.

At the event, comrades Bernice Forrest, John Gulag, John Greenhough and Gloria Leitch received the prestigious Branch Service Medal for their outstanding dedication to the branch.

A special surprise was saved for comrades Dianne Allen and Capt. Craig Bird, who were both awarded life memberships — one of the highest honours bestowed by the legion — for their exceptional service to the branch.

The night concluded with the presentation of the Legionnaire of the Year Award, which went to Sergeant-at-Arms Willie Forrest.

Earlier in the evening, long-serving members were recognized. Dozens of recipients were honoured for their years of service, ranging from five to an impressive 55 years.

Among the longest-serving members recognized were Howard Donaghy and Robert Rooks, who each received a bar to add to their 50-year golden anniversary medals, marking 55 years of membership.

Sandra McGillicky was celebrated for reaching the 50-year milestone, and John Bachorcik was recognized for 40 years of service.

Patricia Falconbridge, James Turner, Patricia Turner and Guy Blackburn were recognized for 25 years of service, while Lyle Cundall, Laualie Ireland and Troy LeBlanc received 20-year pins. Brian Callfas was honoured for 15 years of membership, and Roberta DeRosier for 10 years.

Five years of service pins were awarded to Marlys Collins, Brad Dutton, Janelle Farnden, Dave Hannah, Clark McClelland, Robin McClelland, Rolan Quaife, Arlene Lamothe and Stephen Stewart.

The legion also took time to highlight the efforts of its executive members and volunteers.

Derosier was awarded a Certificate of Merit. Representatives from Canadian Tire and Senchuk Ford were presented with the Royal Canadian Legion Friendship Award, acknowledging their long-standing support for legion events, including the popular truck raffle. 

Genevieve Fichter, Eleanor Mack, Hilda Gedak and Gail Brandon received Honourary Memberships for their support and volunteering with the legion. Executive medals went to John Mohan, Dave Elliott, Geoff Thiessen, Kimberly Ball and Kevin Beck.

In closing, Estevan legion president Jim (Frosty) Forrest reflected on the importance of service and camaraderie.

"I think that the legion survives based on people’s service and their help," Forrest said. "Every one of you played an important role in our branch.”

The event is named in honour of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, and is held in close proximity to the anniversary of the First World War clash that saw Canadian troops dislodge German soldiers from a key strategic point in France, after British and French forces had failed to do so.

The battle took place from April 9-12, 1917.