Royal Canadian Legion members from across Saskatchewan were in Estevan from Friday to Monday for the 49th biennial provincial convention, and came away praising the local legion branch and the community as a whole.
A total of 126 delegates registered for the convention, and many brought their spouses or significant others, putting a large spotlight on the city.
Local legion branch president Lyle Dukart came away with glowing reviews for the event. There were some good speakers and representatives for the legion, both provincially and nationally.
“I’m hoping that everybody takes a lot back to their branches and spreads the word,” said Dukart.
The recruitment and retention of new legion members was a big emphasis at the convention, he said. It’s been a common refrain in recent years.
“We need new recruits,” said Dukart. “All branches do in the province.”
Dukart noted there were some other topics brought up during the convention. One was Paws for Veterans, which partners veterans with therapy dogs. Another was Leave the Streets Behind.
“We have a backpack that we give to people living on the streets, and try to help them out,” said Dukart. “It’s to try to get them off the streets.”
It’s not just for homeless veterans, either, he said, because the legion wants to help everyone.
Delegates also learned about the Wounded Warriors Weekend, which was very well attended this year. And there was a session on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
One of the early highlights of the convention was a parade was held from the legion to the cenotaph on Saturday afternoon. Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph by community leaders.
“It always has been a great way to open up the convention,” said Dukart.
People then returned to the legion for opening ceremonies. Alan Stephen was the guest speaker. The chief executive of Eden Care Communities, he is also retired senior officer for the Canadian Army who served for 30 years.
In a speech titled Remembering Yesterday, Serving Today and Adapting Tomorrow, Stephen recapped his experiences in the Canadian Forces, discussed the current state of Canada’s military and shared his own battles with PTSD. He also gave his thoughts on the state of the legion.
“Serving veterans, ex-service personnel and their families, as well as seniors and youth, the legion significantly contributes to every aspect of Canadian life,” said Stephen. “To most Canadians, little seems to be standing in the way of the Royal Canadian Legion.”
Throughout its 88 years, the legion has been viewed as the voice of veterans. But there are concerns whether the legion is still that strong voice for younger veterans.
“I think the tide is changing, and I believe the legion, and the veterans’ collective voice is being heard, both internally and externally,” said Stephen.
The provincial convention also featured meetings, banquets and socials. The new provincial executive was installed. Lorne Varga was elected president, replacing Ken Box, whose two-year term as president is finished.
And there was information on the local legion and some of its community projects, such as the Estevan Soldiers’ Tree Monument.
“There were a lot of people who stopped and were amazed (at the monument),” said Dukart.
The convention also served as an opportunity to showcase the legion’s buildings in Estevan. The legion received some positive comments about the volunteers they had for the weekend. They helped shuttle people from the hotels to the legion, and helped out in other capacities.
“I can’t say more about the volunteers,” said Dukart. “It’s just excellent.”
The convention also provided with the legion with the opportunity to meet and reconnect with some “super people and super members” who are dedicated to the legion, Dukart said.
Varga said he is looking forward to the challenge of being the president, but recognizes he faces a big task associated with recruiting and retaining members.
“With the volunteers, that’s what made these branches,” said Varga. “When the boys came home after the war (the First World War), they built these legions. And it was all volunteers.”
Now people aren’t dedicating as much time to volunteering, he said. Estevan has seen a drop in membership, but he’s hoping to see those numbers turn around.
Varga believes Estevan did a good job of hosting the convention, with its facilities and excellent hospitality.
Tom Eagles is the dominion past-president and represented national command at the convention. A resident of New Brunswick, this marked the first time he has been in Estevan.
He echoed Varga’s comments about the need to retain new members. The legion attracts about 25,000 new members a year, but many don’t remain for the long-term.
“We need to do better marketing, and we’re spending a lot of money on marketing as we speak,” said Eagles.
A national survey a few years ago showed millions of Canadians would join if they were asked. The legion is reaching out to them, and seeing good results, he said.
He also praised the work the local legion did in hosting delegates from all over the province.
Eagles said he is aware of the financial struggles that the Estevan branch has faced this year, but he has also seen the way the public supported the Estevan branch. He recognizes the local branch still has a lot of work remaining to pay down its remaining debt.
“They went all out this weekend,” said Eagles. “The meals were excellent, the entertainment was excellent and the building is excellent. And this was the first time the Saskatchewan command of the Royal Canadian Legion has held a convention this far south in Saskatchewan, so it’s big for this branch, and they’ve done very well.”
He is pleased to see the core of volunteers and the willingness to support veterans shown by the legion.
“The hospitality here, just like in New Brunswick, is outstanding,” said Varga.
