LITTLE CURRENT—Members of Royal Canadian Legion Little Current Branch 177 gathered in the Legion’s upstairs hall on Friday, November 21, most in full regalia, to celebrate and honour their own and those volunteers who step up to assist the Legion in its endeavours. This ceremony was especially celebrated as Comrade Tom Stephens was presented with his 50 Year Golden Anniversary Service Medal and pin, while Comrade Ted Bemister was proclaimed Legionnaire of the Year.
The evening began with a land acknowledgment, the singing of ‘O’ Canada and a prayer by Legion Chaplain Rev. Whitney Bruno—and the recognition of those Legion members who have passed on over the last year: Don McRae and Noreen Parkinson.
“It is very important and a special moment for those deserving recognition for their achievements, dedication and commitment the Legion,” said Legion secretary Christy Deschamps, who co-hosted the evening in concert with past president Ruth Eadie.
Certificates of Appreciation and gift cards were presented to Legion Comrades Leslie Burnett, Kari Bourque, Roy Eaton, Ruth Eadie, Tammy Bryan-Walsh, Doug Clarke, Wendell Callaghan, Linda Bowerman, Paul Abbott, Joe Hannah, David Patreau, Rebecca Milne, Blake St. Jacques, Jim Corrigan, Kevin Eshkawkogan, Sylvain Boucher and Candace Hall.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to Legion volunteers Sally Smith, Jackie Bowerman, Julie Deschamps, Rolly Deschamps, Chelsea Eadie, Joyce Clarke, Sharlene Elliott, Wyatt Moore, Paige Moore, Faith Moore, Evalena Mainprize, Maddison Heise, Jaydyn Pegelo, Brianna Burnett and Trisha Moore.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to businesses that have shown support for the Legion over the past year, including Coopers Plumbing, Mike Varey and Son and Mindemoya Home Hardware.
Certificates of Merit were presented to Comrades Duane Deschamps, Luke Walsh and Christy Deschamps.
A Certificate of Merit was also presented to the Little Current Lions Club.
Years of service pins were presented to Comrades: Dianne Musgrove and Sylvain Boucher (five years); Pam Macdonald, Joe Hannah and James Machum (10 years); John MacMurray (15 years); Gary Green, Dale Jordison and David Marshall (20 years); Blake St. Jacques and Stacey Eadie (25 years); Cheyenne Migwans and James Hodder (30 years); David Patreau, Nancy Patreau, Robert Marshall and Mike Easton (35 years) and Heather Hutchinson (40 years).
The evening concluded with a light luncheon, beverages and camaraderie.
