On Saturday, June 9, Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 36 Fernie, held its annual Veterans’ Dinner to honor local veterans living and departed.

MC Derek Marshall welcomed the veterans, widows, family and guests and then invited everyone to enjoy a roast beef dinner prepared by the Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Mayor Mary Giuliano gave a short speech, saying, “Veterans are the pride of our country, it is because of our veterans that we are fortunate to live in a free Canada.  Freedom has never been free, it comes from those that paid the ultimate price, made the ultimate sacrifice, that of giving their lives for their country.”  She went on to extend congratulations and thanks in recognition for all the veterans have done for Fernie and Canada.

Legion president Terry Rimmer said there was only two words that could adequately express his gratitude for veterans and so, “It’s with great sincerity I say two words to our vets and their families for all that they do, thank you.”

Auxiliary president Bev Mandel thanked everyone who attended saying, “we’re so used to moving around freely but as a woman I wouldn’t be able to walk alone in some countries. Thank you for your service. The Legion Ladies are proud to put on this dinner for the vets and their families.”

Terry then read the names of all the veterans present and also those of the widows who were in attendance as well as some of those that were recently deceased.

Forty year pins were presented to Legion members Jim Singleton and Rick Yarborough and a immediate past-president pin to Jennifer Cronin.

Birthday wishes were sung to Mary East who was celebrating her 95th birthday on that day and special mention was made of her visiting four sons Stewart, Craig, Fraser and Blaine and their spouses all present at the dinner.

Rimmer also extended condolences to long time member and veteran widow Evelyn Stevens   who had recently lost her son Robert also a veteran and who was present at the dinner.

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