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Wednesday, May 4, 2005
Exeter Times Advocate
The Exeter Legion held its 75th anniversary last weekend, which saw members past and present come together to celebrate.The banquet included a gathering of all of
the surviving past presidents of the Exeter Legion. Seated in front from left are Eric Heywood (1962), Norm Eveland (I 996/97),Vera Armstrong (1988/89), Roy Hunter
(1977/78), John McAllister (1973/74),Ann Armstrong (2001/02) and Howard Holtzmann (1968); in back from left are Eldon Heywood (1978/79), Greg Pfaff (1993/94),
Murray Greene (1980/8 I), John Brintnell (1986/87), Paul McKnight (1985/86), Don McCurdy (1999/2000), Casey Zeehuisen (1997/98, 2000/01), Bill Dougherty
(2002/03), Jim Merrylees (1992/93), David Frayne (1991/92), Dean McKnight (1987/88) and Glenn Robinson (I 971/72). Absent were William Wilds (1994/96, 2003/04),
Bart Devries (1998/99), Lorne Kleinstiver (1990/91) and James Barnetson (1983/85). Deceased presidents were also recognized, with certificates presented to their
spouses. (photos/Scott Nixon)
Exeter Legion celebrates 75th anniversary
By Scott Nixon
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
EXETER — Members of the Exeter
Legion turned out in full force last
weekend to mark the branch's 75th
anniversary.
Exeter Legion Branch 167 presi-
dent Ron Helm called the evening "a
joyous occasion." About 175 people
attended the banquet.
He explained how ex -servicemen
formed the Legion in April 1930 and,
as the world marks the 60th anniver-
sary of the end of the Second World
War, it brings special meaning to the
Legion's anniversary.
Helm, whose term as president
ends in June, paid tribute to the
Legion's hard-working volunteers
and the "terrific Ladies Auxiliary."
"What we would do without them I
shudder to think."
The Exeter Legion has about 350
members, with an average service of
51 years for life members.
Helm said the Legion needs to con-
tinue to recruit new members to
keep the branch alive and preserve
the memory of fallen comrades.
Three new members were inducted
last week.
The evening kicked off with a
march on the head table led by piper
Ian McCrae, followed by the march
on the colours with Sergeant -at -arms
Bill Dougherty. Huron -Bruce MPP
Carol Mitchell, Mayor Rob Morley,
Legion District C Commander Eric
Ross and Legion Zone C-1
Commander Shirley Chalmers were
also in attendance.
One of the highlights of the night
was the presentation of the 75th
Anniversary Presidents' Certificate of
Merit to past Exeter Legion presi-
dents. For those deceased, certifi-
cates were given to spouses.
From left, Bob and Wanda Reynolds, Legion District C Commander Eric Ross and Huron -Bruce MPP Carol
Mitchell stand during a moment of silence at the Exeter Legion's 75th anniversary.
Sergeant -at -arms Bill Dougherty salutes during the
closing ceremonies.
Bob Clarke plays "The Last Post" during the open-
ing ceremonies.
Huron -Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell presents Exeter
Legion president Ron Helm with a certificate marking
the branch's 75th anniversary.