Legion Week in Prince Albert kicked off for the second year with a flag raising ceremony at the Legion Hall on Sunday morning.
Legion Week celebrates the Royal Canadian Legion, and allows people to learn more about the organization and who it represents.
Legion President Rick Hodgson raised the Legion and Canadian Flag to officially kick off the week.
“We have got a good event lined up with a lot of stuff happening every night,” Hodgson said. “We’re hoping the people are still up and see what the Legion is about.”
Legion Week was held for the first time in Prince Albert in 2023, but it has been celebrated across Canada for several years. Hodgson said he hopes to see it continue to grow.
“Last year we pulled on, I think, 24 new members just through the Legion Week and having the doors open and different stuff happening,” Hodgson said.
Hodgson said that kicking off the event with a flag-raising ceremony which featured all the regular Legion pomp and circumstance was a nice way to open the week.
“The opening ceremony and tradition and colour party and all that always looks good,” Hodgson said.
The kickoff was emceed by Legion member Marie Mathers. After the marching on of the colours by the Legion Colour Guard and singing of “O Canada”, Mathers performed the Act of Remembrance.
Mayor Greg Dionne brought greetings on behalf of the city and Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross brought greetings on behalf of the province.
The City of Prince Albert has already proclaimed Sept. 15 to 21 as Legion Week in the City. Legion Week will also recognize two anniversaries; the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and the 80th Anniversary of D -Day. ANAVETs and Legion member Grant Ursaki gave a history of the Air Force and Mathers gave a history of D Day to conclude the event.
During the brunch, there was an opportunity to view a documentary on the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Air Force, 80th Anniversary of the D-Day and the battle of Normandy.
There will also be a volunteer appreciation night on Monday, a fitness night courtesy of the Saskatchewan Seniors Fitness Lakeland District on Thursday, and a jam session on Wednesday where residents can bring an instrument and play along, or just sit back and enjoy the music.
“We are going to have a good week, hopefully and carry on,” Hodgson said.
Following the ceremony there was a breakfast smorgasbord by donation inside the Legion.
For a complete list of events, please see the Royal Canadian Legion #2 Facebook page.
michael.oleksyn@paherald.sk.ca
