HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-04-27, Page 15Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Exeter Times–Advocate
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Exeter Legion Branch 167 turns 75 years old
By Mike Johnston
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
"Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you with failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep,
though poppies grow
In Flanders fields." - JOHN McCRAE
EXETER — One of the main roles of
the Canadian Legion in the community
is to make sure the torch spoken of in
the poem "In Flanders Fields" is contin-
ued and to carry on a tradition of
remembrance in Canada.
This month marks the Exeter
Legion's 75th anniversary.
Started in 1930, only five years after
the original Canadian Legion was
formed, Legion Branch 167 has under-
gone many name changes in its history.
From 1930-40 it was simply known as
Branch 167. In 1940 it was changed to
the Exeter-Hensall branch, and stayed
that way until 1947 when Hensall went
on to form it's own branch, and Exeter
reverted back to the original name.
Then, in 1967 it became known as R.E.
Pooley Branch 167, named for the
Legion president from 1942-47, R.E.
Pooley.
The R.E. Pooley branch was instru-
mental in organizing Remembrance Day
parades and services in Exeter, Hensall
and Hurondale, and in requesting
Exeter make this day a holiday. One of
the Canadian Legion's first projects was
raising $500,000 for the War Service
Fund at the start of the Second World
War, and the Exeter branch pledged
$400. They greatly exceeded this objec-
tive in time.
The 167 Branch has raised many
funds for veterans, primarily from the
poppy fund. The poppy as a symbol of
remembrance originates from records of
correspondents during the Napoleonic
Wars who wrote of how quickly poppies
grew over the graves of soldiers in the
area of Flanders, France. This, and
Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae's (of
Guelph, Ontario) experiences in Ypres
as a medical officer in the First World
War, were the inspiration for his poem
"In Flander's Fields."
Now poppies are sold around
Remembrance Day by Legion members
to raise money for veterans of war, be it
the First or Second. World War, the
Korean War or any Gulf Wars. The
funds are used for payments of food,
accommodation, utilities, clothing, edu-
cational assistance, furniture, medical,
dental and optical services, and hospital
comforts.
The R.E. Pooley branch (and others)
also works with the youth, holding track
and field events, literary, poster and
public speaking contests (all based on
the theme of remembrance). They also
sponsor the Huron, Middlesex and
Lucan Army Cadet Corps, and give to
many charities, including over $10,000
to the South Huron Hospital last year.
Ronald W. Helm is the current presi-
dent of the R.E. Pooley branch of the
Legion. He grew up in the U.K. and can
remember living in England while his
father fought in The Second World War.
"The whole country was one big air
base," he said. When Helm was old
enough, he joined the Royal Reserve
Corps. He moved to Canada in 1967
with his family and worked in various
places before settling in Exeter in 1971.
Helm has been in the legion for eight
years, which seems like a long time until
you note that members Lorne
Kleinstiver and Lloyd Lindenfield just
received their Long Service Award for
60 years of Legion membership.
Helm's biggest concern is the lack of
youth involvement in the Legion. "What
people sacrificed then still means so
much now, but they happened so far
back in history it's difficult for young
people to see their importance," he said.
"You know what they say. Those who
don't learn from history are doomed to
repeat it."
In June, Helm will have served his
term and the role of president will be
passed on to Bob Reynolds.
The 75th anniversary banquet will be
April 30 at the Legion. Guests of honour
will be Mayor Rob Morley as well as a
member of provincial parliament Carol
Mitchell and three other Legion presi-
dents. The event will open with a
march and will feature guest speakers
and a dinner.
THE BUSINESSES ON THIS PAGE CONGRATULATE THE EXETER LEGION ON 75 YEARS
Congratulations on 75 years of
being a valuable member
of our community.
)TI1ICO LTD.
Industrial Knitting
320 Thames Rd. E. Exeter, ON
Syfilco Ltd. and its employees
wish to say thank you for serving
our community and our country.
CONGRATULATIONS!
R.E. Pooley Branch 167
Royal Canadian Legion
CELEBRATING 75 YEARS
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY & COUNTRY
Exeter
235-2000
r
izom
ELLfON
TRAVEL & TOURS LTD.
Goderich
524-8692
(%ie66 i*1 Z5,p u - r veea * 7.ov4,4-�tiat a t. .
Happy 75th Anniversary
Congratulations
from all of us at
Ironwood Golf Club
IRONW00D GOLF CLUB
AlLocated one mile east of Exeter, off highway #83
Tel: (519)235 -IS I • www.ironwood.net
Located one mile east of Exeter, off highway #83
Tel: (519) 235-1521 • www.ironwood.net
75th Anniversary
Congratulations
2E. Pooley Branch 167
Royal Canadian Legion
EXETER PLANT
Best Wishes Employees of
Kraft Canada Inc.