ESTEVAN - The Estevan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion saluted many long-time and dedicated members during the annual Vimy Awards night on Saturday.
Service pins were awarded in five-year increments to those who have been part of the legion. Members who received awards were:
This year's recipients were:
Five years: Quentin Dosch, Terry Torgunrud, Gloria Leitch, John Greenhough and Elaine Hjorteland;
Ten years: Brent Sauter, Mary Anne Sauter, Burva Conner, George Kingdon, Layne Hawrylak, Ken Allen and Colleen Jensen;
Fifteen years: Cort Barker and Donna Brokenshire;
Twenty years: B. Lee Pushie, Kevin Beck, Karly Lanz and Alma Vicary;
Twenty-five years: Craig Bird and Donald Anderson;
Thirty years: Theresa Bachorcik;
Thirty-five years: Madeline Skjerpen and Lilian Hahn;
Forty years: David Rooks, Margaret Renwick and Marge Fowler;
Forty-five years: Jan Nijman and Marian Harper; and
Fifty years: Rick Densley and Jim (Frosty) Forrest.
Several other important awards were presented. Quentin Dosch was recognized for being the Legionnaire of the Year. A certificate of appreciation was awarded to Tom Woodhouse for his commitment to the branch. His wife Heather accepted the award on his behalf.
Marlys Collins received a certificate of merit for service to the branch for maintaining the flowers at the Estevan Soldiers' Tree Monument. Also receiving a certificate of merit were Floyd Vincent and Susie Woods for providing entertainment in the clubroom.
Mel Murray was presented with a life membership for his many contributions.
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.
