Dennis Simpson
We have had a few meetings while following Covid protocol. Our annual meeting was delayed, but we do have a new executive. Our President is Doug Sather, and Vice-President is Lavern Sobus, Secretary is Rod Brooks, Treasurer is Colleen McNichol, with Doug Potter taking on Membership Chair and Poppy Chair.
We have received grants from Dominion Royal Canadian Legion, the Federal Government, the Provincial Royal Canadian Legion, and the Provincial Government to help with operating expenses as we can not have any fundraising activities. We received a grant from the Provincial Government to do some much-needed work in the basement of our hall. We also received a grant from BHP potash to assist with housing the Mobility Bus. With all the lockdowns, the bus has been used very little. These grants have enabled Legions across the province to remain open to provide services and maintain their buildings. We have received approval to spent some money from the Poppy Trust Fund to assist in the purchase of a new ECG machine for the Nokomis Health Centre Lab.
In 2020 we were not able to have a Flag Day, but members placed flags in all the crosses of Veterans at all cemeteries. Due to the Covid protocols, the 2020 Remembrance Day service was held with ten members in attendance. It is important to honour and remember all our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Lest We Forget.
This year we were able to have Flag Day with only a few minor changes to comply with Public Health Orders. Chaplain Rick Shott and Comrade Doug Sather lead the services. Comrades Kerry Sather & Vance Halstead were Flag Bearers. We started out in Lockwood at 9:30 with a good turnout of Lockwood people to help place flags. From there, we went to Govan, where there was again a good turn out of Govanites to take part and place flags. A small group then went to St. Olaf’s Cemetery to place flags. The final service at 2:30 pm started at Nokomis Cenotaph and then proceeded to the cemetery. Comrade Laverne Sobus laid the Canada wreath, and Mayor David Mark laid a wreath for the Town of Nokomis at the cenotaph. Comrade Doug Potter escorted each. It rained on and off all day, just letting up during each service, it seemed. We are saddened to have lost 6 Legion members since 2019. They are Comrades Jack Rody, Palmer Unseth, Joyce Hards, Robert McNichol, Barry McClughan and Marv Gilbertson.
As people get vaccinated, and protocols are relaxed, we look forward to again welcoming the public to our hall for social events.
- Submitted by Colleen McNichol