BONNYVILLE – When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Remembrance Day ceremonies outdoors, members of the Bonnyville Royal Canadian Legion enjoyed the experience of having a simple outdoor service at their hall. Those involved have recently decided to continue to hold this year's ceremony outdoors as well.
The Nov. 11 event will see people congregate outside the Legion Hall about 15 minutes before the 11 a.m. moment of silence. As the Bonnyville Legion continues planning for this year’s ceremony, organizers have been in contact with 4 Wing, in Cold Lake.
“It’s not clear now whether 4 Wing will send a flight, a squadron, a platoon or something as a representation of the Forces but it’s pending . . . It’s gone through the wing commander's office, so it’s a work in progress,” said Legion President Bob McRae.
Following the annual ceremony, people will be welcomed into the Legion Hall to enjoy refreshments and socialize.
“Afterwards the public is welcome in the Legion . . . There's usually a light lunch that's provided, like church sandwiches, donuts, pop, and moose milk - and if people want to have a drink or two, they're welcome to do so.”
McRae commented that there is a significant number of veterans and those serving in the Bonnyville area, and that Remembrance Day ceremonies are not only meant to honour those who have served, but to remind everyone of the our history.
“It’s very important because those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. So, let's take a take a moment, two minutes of silence at the very minimum . . . It’s a moment to pause and consider what they've done and how we’ve got to where we are because of that,” said McRae.
He also explained that the Legion’s annual poppy campaign to raise money for veterans officially started on Oct. 25. Poppy boxes were distributed throughout the community and McRae says many businesses purchased a commemorative wreath.
“All that money is put into a special fund . . . There might be a donation used for a cause somewhere else, but it's most often used locally. So, if a veteran needs transportation to a medical appointment that's in the city, or if they need equipment for accessibility, we can step up and provide that,” said McRae.
For those suffering with PTSD, McRea spoke about a few programs that the Legion supports, such as Wounded Warriors.
“A veteran does not have to be a member of the Legion to access the services. Membership is not a requirement to get help. You can get help because you've served. We have connection with a coordinator in Calgary who even helps people who are perhaps medically discharged, to navigate Veteran Affairs portfolios,” said McRae.
“It’s not just old World War II vets, it’s Afghanistan, Persian Gulf, Kosovo, Bosnia, people who went on peace keeping missions – they’re all welcome to come to access the services as the need arises,” said McRae.
For those interested in being a part of the Legion, McRae explained that membership is open to everyone above the age of 18. There are three types of membership – ordinary memberships for serving members, associate memberships for those related to people who have served, or affiliated memberships for those who have not served nor are related to anyone who has served.
“We have over 200 people with active memberships. Not all of them are actively involved in everything we do. They pay their membership as a way to support,” said McRae.
He also spoke about the Legion’s involvement in the community beyond their work with veterans, such as their recent Thanksgiving food bank fundraiser, and how the Legion Hall is being used by the Kryla Ukranian dancers for a fundraiser, for example.
“First and foremost, we look after the veterans, and secondly, we commemorate Remembrance Day. [Then] we do other community functions . . . it’s about community support,” said McRae.