Brant-Argyle Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 222 held a heartfelt Remembrance Day service on Nov. 11 to pay tribute to our courageous veterans. This year was extra special as they marked a milestone – 75 years since the formation of their local Legion, which coincides with the 75th anniversary that peacekeeping was set up under the United Nations following the Second World War.
After a four-year hiatus, the community gathered at the Hall and embraced the opportunity to remember, reflect, and honour those who selflessly fought for our country’s freedom.
During this poignant ceremony, each name on Argyle’s honour roll – representing those who tragically lost their lives while serving Canada – was read aloud. Comrade Ron Watson lit a memorial candle for each fallen hero, symbolizing eternal remembrance.
Shayne Campbell, President and Executive Director of Settlers Rails and Trails Museum, shared some cherished memories alongside a brief history of the Argyle Legion and the community hall.
He explained that soldiers came back when the First World War ended and were expected to get on with life, which wasn’t that simple. There were veterans’ associations across the country, and they merged into what is now known as the Royal Canadian Legion.
In 1948, the Argyle Hall was constructed by the Argyle area veterans on land donated by a First World War veteran, George Smith Sr., and in 1967, the Legion turned the Hall over to the community as Legion member numbers were dwindling.
Royal Canadian Legion Br. No. 222 Sergeant-at-arms and chaplain Jim Rodger spoke on the importance of gathering on Nov. 11 to commemorate the fallen yet continue supporting those who still serve.
As 2019 was the last Remembrance Day service held in Argyle, the world has changed so much.
“We were relatively peaceful among nations,” he said. “We had no worries then that truly threatened our existence. Four years later, those comfortable things are fond memories, and our realities are actually very different.”
“What we confront now in Canada in 2023 is not new; countless generations of men and women in countless countries and regions of the world confronted the same threats over many hundreds of years,” he said.
“The fact that we are here today honouring them is proof enough that they did their jobs very well. May we learn from them to prepare for the worst but still hope for the best. For we may pass down to our descendants the opportunity to live as well as we did.”
Hon. James Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman, was honoured to be part of the momentous occasion of the 75th anniversary.
“As Legions across the country are struggling, to see Legion No. 222 hit the benchmark of 75 years is not only a milestone but a testament to the great volunteers that make up this Legion,” he said.
“Canadians put themselves between battle lines. Those brave women and men who served in peacekeeping missions weren’t just fighting for king and country; they were fighting for our small towns, they were fighting for our families, and every Canadian who has ever served went out there to protect our peace, our prosperity, our way of life.”
The passage of time may change many things around us—but one thing remains constant: our commitment to honouring those who bravely safeguarded our freedom.
The memories of their selflessness echo through generations, teaching us invaluable lessons about courage, resilience, and unity. By preserving this tradition year after year, we ensure that future generations will understand the profound significance of sacrifice and service.
Tribune Photo By Jo-Anne Procter
