By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — A local tradition was revived last month as Royal Canadian Legion members, their family, friends and other guests gathered for a medal presentation and strawberry social in Davidson.
The event was an opportunity to mark several milestones, including the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, and the 90th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion itself.
Anniversary medals were presented to four members: veterans Alfred Stulberg, Meryl Warren and Bob Booker, and to Wayne Morrison, former commanding officer of Davidson’s 553 Sherlock Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
An additional medal was presented to Stulberg on behalf of the government of France, in honour of his role in that country’s liberation by Allied forces in the summer of 1944.
About 60 people attended the social and presentation, held at the Davidson Seniors Centre on Friday, May 22.
Gordon McRae, president of the local Legion branch, said he was pleased with the turnout and response, given how the branch’s numbers have declined in recent years.
He thanked those in attendance for coming out and supporting the event, and said he hoped to ensure that Legion events like the Remembrance Day ceremony would continue on in Davidson.
Rev. Diane Eurig served as the emcee for the afternoon program, which included remarks by Coun. Kim Williams and Arm River-Watrous MLA Greg Brkich.
“I can only imagine this legion, our legion, was formed on blood, sweat and tears,” said Williams, who offered congratulations on behalf of Mayor Clayton Schneider and the rest of town council.
Brkich, who appeared on behalf of the provincial government, thanked Stulberg directly for his role, saying that he and other veterans “can never be thanked enough for the freedoms we have nowadays.”
Sylvia McConnell read selections from the Prairie Tapestry history book and other records, detailing the history of the local Legion branch, the Ladies Auxiliary and the members being honoured that day.
The local branch originated in April 1919 as part of the Great War Veterans Association. Over 200 residents of Davidson and district had enlisted in the military for the First World War; thirty-five of them did not return.
Though the branch was less active in the 1930s, it was reactivated at the end of the Second World War, in which 236 residents enlisted and 14 were killed.
McRae presented the four recipients with the Legion 90th anniversary medal, which features claret and white bands in honour of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
For the full story, please see the June 1 edition of The Davidson Leader.