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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1995-11-08, Page 1010-TMR HURON EXPOSITOR, November S, 191111 They fought for our freedom Honour freedom. by honouring those who fought for it. 42 Goderich St. W., Seaforth 527-0303 They Gave Their All For Us. t7ET PAA ' C 19 MAIN ST. SOUTH, SEAFORTH 527-1681 SEARS OUTLET - 527-1220 THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Together We Remember SEAFORTH BRANCH 156 ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION ERROL SIdLLENDER Poppy Chairman 627-1716 JOHN LANSINK President PIPERS LEAD - Pipers led Seaforth Branch 156 of the Royal Canadian Legion in its annual Church Parade Sun- day. TAKE TIME TO REMEM I E THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Canada's military history in �Oth century In 1914 Canada's popule' In 1914 populati was 7.5 million people. The militia numbered some 57,000. Within three weeks of the outbreak of World War I, 45,000 civilians had volun- teered for military service. On October 3 & 4, 1914, the first 30,000 Canadian troops set sail aboard 33 ships from Gaspe Bay for England. The "Great War" lasted until the end of 1918 and, although it was not "the war to end all wars," most historians agree that Canada came of age dur- ing this conflict and began to emerge as a significant player on the world stage. The Royal Canadian Air Force was formed April 1, 1924. During World War II, some 237,000 men and women of the Canadian Army served in Northwest Europe, 97,500 in Italy. Of the 1,975 Canadian servicemen stationed in Hong Kong, 557 were killed or died in prisoner of war camps. By 1945, Canada had completed the transition to full nationhood which had begun during World War I. Canada provided military forces to support United Nations operations in Korea from 1950-53. Some 20,000 army personnel served during the war and three Royal Cana - In August, 1990, following August, 1990, followin Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Canada joined with a host of other nations to provide mili- tary forces to enforce UN sanctions against Iraq. This involvement extended to par- ticipation in the Gulf War from January to April, 1991. That war ultitnately resulted in the allied coalition's defeat of Iraq and the liberation of Kuwait. dian Navy destroyers operated in Korean waters. The Royal Canadian Air Force's .426 Squadron provided air transport support. The Canadian Forces Reor- ganization Bill of February 1, 1968 "unified" the three former services. This experiment con- tinued for two decades. Although never formally de - unified, the forces returned to the three traditional service uniforms in 1988 and Mari- time, Mobile and Air Com- mands, for all intents and pur- poses, once again became the navy, army and air force respectively. The Canadian Forces have participated in virtually every United Nations peacekeeping operation since the Suez Crisis of 1956. Some of the major commitments include Cyprus, Egypt, the Congo, India -Paki- stan, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Somalia. Poppy donations put to variety of good uses Money donated during The Royal Canadian Legion's annual Poppy -Remembrance Campaign is placed in public trust funds. Some of the many ways this money is used to improve life for people in your community include: O Providing assistance to. needy ex -service members and their families. O Purchasing medical equip- ment and appliances for com- munity health facilities. O Paying for medical research and training. fO Building affordable hous- ing for veterans and senior citizens. O Paying for bursaries for needy students. O Providing support services to senior citizens (Meals on Wheels, drop-in centres, ctc.) Army cadets still active in Seaforth Army Cadets aren't high profile and don't get a lot of ink in this neck of the woods, but several Seaforth teens are members of the 2967 Brussels Legion Army Cadets. Commanding officer, Capt. Stu Parker of Brussels, says the area branch, which has 27 on the active roll, includes eight to 10 cadets from Seaforth. Some of them once again helped Seaforth Branch 156 of the Royal Canadian Legion with its poppy -campaign Sun- day aftemoon and will also be involved with Saturday's Remembrance Day ceremonies at the cenotaph. Some of the more active local cadets include Jeff Barry, Derek Hunt, Greg Nixon and Adam Altman of Seaforth, and Don Small of Dublin. Capt. Parker has been com- mander since Oct. 1981 and plans to step down later this month. His replacement will be 2nd Lieut. Glen Gouldsborough. "It is time the kids had a change," he says, proud of the fact the Brussels Cadets have had about 10 gold star cadets during his tenure. Until this year, the national certification* was the highest level a cadet could attain. Now you can get Remembering those who fought for us L. McGrath 'PLUMBING & HEATING INC. SEAFORTH 522-0493 your gold star locally, Parker says, and there is a new national star certification program. Capt. Parker says Brussels Cadets were formed in 1978 and Seaforth has become more involved in the last five or six years mainly because Mel Melanson, of Seaforth Branch 156, "started stirring it up." The commanding officer says at one time the Brussels cadets had a high of 37 members, but it dwindled to a consistent average of 20. The group meets Tuesday nights at the Brussels Legion for a little more than two hours, starting at 7 p.m. "The objectives of cadets are training and leadership, citizen- ship, physical education and fostering an interest in Canadian Forces," the com- mander says. He adds the group does drill, small arms, maps and compass, com- munications, survival, search and rescue, and teaches self-discipline by doing such things as geuing uniforms ready. Cadets are for those aged 12 to 19, and there is no charge. Anybody that might be interested in joining can contact any local cadet, or call Capt. Parker at 887-6350. NOVEMBER 11 A Day to remember a lifetime of sacrifice Maplewood Manor 13 Church St., Seaforth 527-1440 May We Never Forget Their Courage SEAFORTH GROCERY Phone Orders & Free Delivery to Serve You Better 23 Melnik. S. 527-2044 Main St.