by Garrett Fodor
Members of the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) are inviting the community to commemorate and remember those who have served, as they host ‘Legion Week.’
On Sunday afternoon, the Essex Legion officially kicked-off the start of Legion Week by inviting branch members and area residents to gather at the cenotaph to participate in the annual laying of the wreath ceremony. Following Royal Canadian Legion Branches across the country, Legion Week is designed to raise awareness about what the organization does for veterans and the community.
Legion Week always kicks off with a wreath laying ceremony. Fun, community engaging activities are then held throughout the week. This year’s festivities include a fun euchre tournament, a special trivia matchup, and a perch dinner on Friday evening. Saturday’s festivities include the Big Daddy Meat Draw and the week-long schedule of activities will wrap-up with the always anticipated Kinger’s Krazy Golf event on Sunday.
During his speech at the wreath laying ceremony, Essex Legion President Erroll Caza paid tribute to all of those who have served. He noted that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the events which followed. A special moment of silence was held to honour all who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Caza also paid tribute to those members and veterans who passed away in the last year.
This year’s edition of Legion Week coincides with Branch 201’s 90th anniversary. Following the wreath ceremony, community members were invited to go back to the Legion to celebrate by enjoying a free-picnic style lunch.
During the ceremony, Caza noted how special it is to celebrate the contributions of the veterans and the community members who have helped the Legion in the past 90 years to get it to where it is today. To celebrate the 90th anniversary, Essex Council planted and dedicated a tree in honour of the Branch.
Caza would like to extend his thanks to all of the members and volunteers at Branch 201 for helping put on the celebrations as a part of the 90th anniversary and Legion Week. He noted that he is excited to see members coming back together and the Branch once again returning to normalcy.
To keep up with Essex Legion news, Caza urges everyone to keep their eyes on social media and the Legion’s bulletins for more upcoming events, including the annual poppy campaign, which will take place soon.