For 80-years, the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) has been backed by a strong Ladies’ Auxiliary, comprised of a long roster of women ready and willing to support the Legion, veterans, and the community in a variety of ways.
By
Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Essex Free Press
For 80-years, the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) has been backed by a strong Ladies’ Auxiliary, comprised of a long roster of women ready and willing to support the Legion, veterans, and the community in a variety of ways.
On Sunday, current members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary celebrated this longstanding and impressive milestone with a special luncheon, inviting local dignitaries and members of the community and Essex Legion to acknowledge eight decades of service.
“A lot of branches would love to have this kind of support,” Essex Legion Branch President Dave Renaud said, adding the members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary are always supporting the Branch and canteen, are always in the kitchen during functions, and have purchased many needed items around the Branch.
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This group, Renaud added, also recognizes veterans.
“I am humbled beyond belief to be here,” Essex MP Chris Lewis said before presenting members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary with a certificate of recognition that noted, “greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
The celebration of service made him think about his mum, who passed in October. Her motto was to “live to serve.”
“We often walk past opportunities to thank unsung heroes,” he said, noting it was great to be able to celebrate this significant milestone with the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
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He presented an official King Charles Pin to Essex Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary President, Sandy Moyes, who will wear it on behalf of the organization.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi was also pleased to join the festivity, noting one of his earliest memories of being a student included being a part of Legion activities. He said he appreciates the lessons the members of the Legion and Ladies’ Auxiliary teach, especially about veterans.
He was proud to present a framed certificate signed by Premier Doug Ford, which acknowledges the commitment the members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary have made over the past 80-years that have contributed to making the community and Province a better place.
In addition, several members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary were presented with a years-of-service pin for their longstanding commitment to the community and Legion for 10, 15, 25, 30, and 40-years of dedication.
Carolyn Costin was also presented with a pin for 60-years of service.
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