The Virden Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary during Legion Week which runs from Sept. 8 to 14. Here’s a look ahead at planned events:
Sunday, Sept. 8: The Branch Golf Tournament at Wellview Golf Club is open to all golfers. Pre-registration required.
Monday, Sept. 9: Texas Hold'em poker. Registration is at 6:30 pm in the Club Room.
Tuesday, Sept. 10: The Ladies Auxiliary noon luncheon in the Club Room.
THE BIG REVEAL: 1917 LETTERS
Wednesday, Sept. 11: A treasure trove was dropped off recently at the Virden legion by an unnamed person – a box full of World War I letters from a soldier on the front writing to his father in Rivers in 1917. On Wednesday, the box will be opened and visitors to the Virden legion can see and read them. This is a one-time only event in Virden. Security will be present during the display. These letters will eventually go to the National War Museum in Ottawa for preservation as they are national treasures.
Thursday, Sept. 12: Games night in the Club Room and the Hall for all Legion Members who may bring their other half and four guests.
Friday, Sept. 13: Happy Hour starting at 4:00 pm with visiting and draws. Free popcorn.
ASHAM STOMPERS PERFORM
Saturday, Sept. 14: 100th Anniversary Gala Banquet. The guest speaker is Arnold Asham, entertainment is The Asham Stompers. Thelma Quinn is the caterer. Event is limited to 160 Legion and community members.
In April of 1919 a branch of the Great War Veterans Association was formed here in Virden and, in time, it turned into the Royal Canadian Legion. A list of the veterans who attended a Veterans Luncheon in April, 1919 will be on display during the Sept. 11 event.
Sunday, Sept. 22: The Legion Zone 26 Fall Convention is in the afternoon in the Club Room. All Virden Branch Members are welcome to attend though only four will be allowed to vote on matters concerning Zone 26. A light lunch will be available.
Hockey hosting by the Branch will start this month. The Branch is looking for volunteers to help with hosting services at the Oil Capitals games.
DINNER THEATRE
October 12: The branch will be holding a Thanksgiving Dinner Theatre in the Legion Assembly Hall. Entertainment will be a comedy by the Phoenix Players entitled "Bad Auditions by Bad Actors".
The Legion Branch Cadet Corps will be starting up soon, a great youth group for those aged 12 to 18. No registration fees, no insurance fees, no uniform fees, and no activity fees.
Remembrance Day 2019: Legion Padre Matt has lined up a great speaker for Remembrance Day 2019. The Branch has also invited C Battery of the First Regiment of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery to attend our Remembrance Day parade, service, and lunch.
The Branch is looking for two members to chair the 2019 Poppy Committee for the Town of Virden and to chair the 2019 Remembrance Day School Prose and Art Competition for schools in Virden and Reston.
Another branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in Manitoba recently gave the Virden branch five Legion flags, three Manitoba flags, Legion CDs, a DVD and a book. The Virden Legion Branch now flies on its flag pole the Canadian, Manitoba, and Legion Flags. We are grateful for the inheritance.
Submitted by Kel Smith
