Submitted by Kathryn Hauck,
Poppy Chair
We have officially passed the longest day of the year! Summer Solstice was on June 21st. While we still have long daylight hours and hopefully warmer weather, come and support your local branch.
Decoration Day was held at the Dunk’s Bay Cemetery on Sunday June 7th. Thank you to those that attended the ceremony. Did you know that Decoration Day was established on June 2, 1890 as Canada’s first national day to honor military veterans, particularly those that fought in the Battle of Ridgeway during the Fenian Raids. Due to a gradual decline in prominence, the Parliament of Canada transitioned to Remembrance Day November 11 in 1931. (www.decorationday.ca)
We only need three more people to join our legion (for free this year) to break 300 members! A century of standing with veterans, strengthening communities and honouring the memory of those who served. Membership this year is free to join and next year, when you pay for your membership, you will also have a chance to win a new truck!
Just a reminder: July 17th we will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion! A celebration will be head at the Tobermory Branch starting at 3:00pm. Stay tuned for more information.
BBQs are back! July 11, August 29 and September 12, after the meat draw, which starts at 4:00pm. You can get a burger and a bag of chips for $15.00.
Saturday nights with DJ Maxx are back! Starting on June 27 followed by July 11 and 25, August 1,8 and 22 and ending with September 5! Don’t worry, I will remind you! Come on out and dance like no one is watching!
A bit early but people have been asking… the annual Summerween will be held on August 22nd. Come in your costumes and dance the night away.
Continuing with events: Darts time has changed to 7:00pm on Thursdays, and as usual, Meat Draws are Saturdays at 4:00pm. Ladies Auxiliary Bingo is at the Tobermory Community Centre on Wednesdays. Doors open at 6:30pm with a start time of 7:00pm. All are welcome to attend.
The Legion is now open Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 3:00pm. Stop in and welcome Raelene, our new bartender!
Remembering Harry Allen Hopkins
From the Legion Ontario Command Military Service Recognition Book – Harry Allen Hopkins was born in Tobermory on November 2, 1920. He enlisted in the army on September 18, 1939 and served with the Canadian Armoured Fighting Vehicle School during World War 2. He saw action in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe.
After his discharge on March 5, 1946, Sgt Hopkins worked as a tour guide at Birch Island on Manitoulin Island. In 1951, Harry was hired as the Light Keeper at Cabot Head Lighthouse, where he continued to work until retirement in Tobermory, He was awarded the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. He was a member of the Tobermory Branch 290. Harry passed away on April 6, 1982.
~ We Will Remember Them ~
