A recognition banquet was held for area those who served in WWII, the Cold War, and recent conflicts and in honour of the many first responders from the Virden area. The event was held Saturday evening at the Virden Legion Hall, April 14, with decorations that reflected the guests of honor.
MC for the evening was Captain Kel Smith (retired), with music by Janet Yochim and afterglow entertainment by singer, Ross Mathison of Hamiota.
The title of this item says it all about the purposes of the event, that is, to recognize those men and women who stand on guard for us in time of war and peace. They may wear a military uniform, a police uniform, the uniform of firefighters or emergency medical personal. All of these people have been there in our time of need in our communities or in places around the world in times of war; and not to forget the efforts of our Canadian United Nations Peace Keepers around the world.
Perhaps, at times, we forget their service and sacrifices for our lives.
After the introduction of the head table guest and recognition of our WWII veterans, grace was given by Legion Chaplain Padre Matt Koovisk.
This was followed by the always delicious roast beef supper put on by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Following supper there were a number of short speeches made by area political representatives and local Royal Canadian Legion representatives, who thanked invited guests that evening for their selfless effort to the country and area communities.
Some of the speakers were able to include personal reflections of the help they received in time of need. Virden mayor, Jeff McConnell, said in thanking them, “You do so much for our communities, but [we] would be happier if your services were not needed so much.”
Three toasts were made during the evening - to the Queen, the veterans and to the first responders.
Following the speeches there was more entertainment and a time for fellowship.
Said Kel Smith, “The evening was the communities’ way of thanking our first responders stationed in Virden. It was good to see the fire fighters from Station One, a good delegation of RCMP members and having the representatives of our EMS station at the Virden District Hospital. We had a number of veterans at the banquet with several being WWII vets, with three of them being Knights of The Republic of France.
“The Ladies Auxiliary and volunteers under the leadership of Comrade Teresa cooked up a meal that impressed all who attended. Yes, our Legion Branch can say it was a very successful evening in honoring our veterans and first responders.”
A few years ago, as our WWII veteran population began to grow smaller, there was a suggestion to ask people when they saw a vet to go up to them and thank them for their efforts. Perhaps this recognition could be extended to the other important first responders, who are there to help us out in times of great need.
