I recently attended the annual general meeting of our local Legion branch, and the evening provided a whole range of emotions and thoughts.

Entering the Branch, we were greeted by Sergeant-at-Arms Rhys Beak. He is a subtle and commanding authority figure, and his presence ensures order and decorum during the meeting. Certainly a good example of Hollywood central casting.

Due to rules about alcohol service on the evening of the meeting, Shannon and Sandra were having a slower-than-normal evening behind the bar. Efficient and ever effervescent, they were ready for the post-meeting rush at about 8:15 p.m.

From the minute Branch president Al Howse appeared on stage promptly at 7 p.m., sartorially resplendent in his navy blue crested blazer, to the last note of the closing song, there were periodic reminders that “We Will Remember Them.”

The words were spoken on several occasions, but many subtle and unstated hints at the dominant theme really impacted me.

As a relatively new member of Legion Branch 124 here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I am still learning about the traditions and workings of Legion branches across Canada.

Coast to coast, somehow this organization battles the domineering and slow marching curse of demographics, providing leadership as “We Will Remember Them.” Legion members carry out various functions to assist  Veterans and others who might need a hand.

Almost all of the work done to maintain the health of Legions from coast to coast is performed on a volunteer basis. Founded in 1925, there are currently some 1,350 branches, with an amazing 270,000 members. The branch with the largest membership is in Maple Ridge, B.C., counting over 2,000 members.

Rambling back now to the meeting here in Niagara-on-the-Lake, I was comforted by the strong spirit of “we’re all in this together to ensure our Branch stays healthy and vibrant.”

Various reports were filed by hard-working committee leaders, and branch treasurer Rick Cairns assured us that we are in solid shape financially. Confidence was installed as executive volunteers took hold of the microphone.

Each year at the annual general meeting, they are either voted into office or appointed, and without fanfare, they proceed to get the many jobs done.

The zone commander was with us from Beamsville, and he conducted the actual elections in a very professional manner.  He volunteers to oversee seven branches, and was totally on top of the rules and regulations and protocols.

When it came time to actually have the ballots counted to determine the members of next year’s branch executive, I hunkered down for a long wait. Somehow, the very efficient counters got their job done quickly, the ballots were destroyed, and voila, the AGM was over.

Now, ramble with me to an olfactory finale. Just before the meeting was terminated (not adjourned, terminated), a subject was broached that gave me pause. Yes, a chance to reflect on how we have it so easy today when compared to “life in the trenches” during the First World War.

A few questions and comments, including one about a septic odour that can, apparently, be noticed in some areas on the main floor. My pal Rick and I were surprised, as neither of us had ever noticed this scent.

After a minute or two of explanation and discussion, I had to think that we are such a spoiled lot of people today. Darn, a subtle off odour. Perhaps this was a good moment to try to transport ourselves back about a century.

For weeks and months on end, in wet and cold conditions, with awkward and non-existent sleeping arrangements, our allied soldiers somehow managed to keep going. Physically and psychologically.

Our men in the trenches. How did they keep their morale up?  Injured, sick and dying comrades, brutal meals and rations, perhaps a shot of whisky once a week. People snoring and moving around, attempting to get some shut-eye.

I repeat, how did they keep their morale up?

Month after month, with no known finish line.

These days, the Royal Canadian Legion, and legions around the world, live by the motto, “We Will Remember Them.”

As is almost always the case, a few people at our Legion Branch do most of the work. An extremely hard-working member of our local executive was obvious by her absence at the annual general meeting. Karen Taylor-Jones was away getting a medical upgrade, and rehabbing, unable to attend.

She and her wingers do so much for our branch, with such great attitudes. Let us mere members remember them, and occasionally remind them we appreciate their efforts.

All together now, as was repeated both verbally and subtly at numerous times during our 2025  annual general meeting, “We Will Remember Them.”

May I encourage NOTLers to support our local Legion.