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Have a Cup of Joe with Joe March 2024
Tecumseh Celebrates The 90th Anniversary Of RCL Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261
By Joe McParland
Many of us had family members who served our country overseas in WWII — and some of us had grandparents and great grandparents who fought in WWI.
Veterans for Veterans founded the 1,350 Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) branches across Canada. Their mission: To serve Veterans — active, retired and deceased, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country. The Legion exists so that Canada never forgets.
Canadians recognize their local RCLs through annual Remembrance Day ceremonies, poppy campaigns, commemorative activities, youth education programs, and more.
In addition to helping local Veterans, legions support seniors, provide youth sports programs, offer branch education bursaries, provide funds for community causes, volunteer to help those in need, or simply offer a place to gather for fun and celebration.
The Royal Canadian Legion Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 at 12326 Lanoue Street (and Lesperance Road) in Tecumseh, Ontario received its charter on August 9, 1934, and will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Saturday, April 20, 2024
Gloria McKibbin, Past President (2012 to 2016) of Branch 261 and now volunteer for fundraising events in Tecumseh, and also Public Relations Officer & Seniors Chair, Royal Canadian Legion Zone A-7 (Port Stanley RCL Last Post Branch 410) reminds us: “April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and since Legion board members are all volunteers, what better time to celebrate the wonderful achievements of 90 years of volunteering!”
An open house is planned, including Honours & Awards presentations and food served which will be open to the public. Final details were not available at press time, but get the latest updates on the “Tecumseh Legion Branch 261” Facebook page and the website: RCLdistricta.com.
Colonel Paul Poisson — the individual RCL Branch 261 named their branch after — was born in Belle River, Ontario in 1887. Poisson joined the militia in Windsor at age 17.
He received a medical degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1909 and began his medical practice in 1910 in Tecumseh.
Shortly after, he enlisted as a Medical Officer and saw active duty in WWI and, despite being wounded in action, returned to the battlefield after recuperating. Poisson was again wounded in the 1916 Courcelette Campaign (TankMuseum.org), and later he was awarded the Military Cross for his contributions.
He was discharged in 1919 and returned to Canada where he resumed his medical practice.
Poisson continued his service to his country by entering the political arena and became the first Mayor of the Town of Tecumseh in 1921. He then served as a Member of the Ontario Legislature from 1926 to 1934.
During WWII, Dr. Poisson once again served his country coordinating care for injured soldiers, returning from active duty as President Medical Board M.D. No. 1, at Medical Headquarters Ottawa, as Officer Commanding Montreal Military Hospital. In total, Poisson served Canada with 41 years of military service.
The Town of Tecumseh celebrated its 100th birthday in July 2022 and as part of their festivities unveiled an inspiring panoramic mural of poppies, soldiers, and Colonel Poisson on the western wall of Branch 261’s building (see accompanying photo below) by artist, DERKZ (David Derkatz).
Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara speaks about the Legion’s approaching 90th anniversary: “We are proud to have this branch of the Royal Canadian Legion named after Colonel Paul Poisson, who served as Tecumseh’s first Mayor after serving Canada in the First World War and who later served again in the Second World War. The Legion plays a key role in supporting the Veterans and their families who have given so much, and I would like to acknowledge and offer appreciation to the administrators, organizers and volunteers who work on the Legion’s behalf. Thank you for your contributions to our Veterans and the community over the last 90 years.”
Today, there are three categories of membership in the RCL: Ordinary — for Veterans; Associate — for family members of Veterans and Affiliate — for any member of the public, not related to a Veteran.
Legions are a huge part of our community and Branch 261 is a strong supporter of local organizations and hosts various events throughout the year, such as the local authors Christmas Book Show, Tecumseh Christmas market and more.
However, RCLs across the country are experiencing financial challenges in these post-pandemic times. Public Relations Officer McKibbin mentions that “Legions can only appeal to the public for financial donations during the annual Poppy Campaign — the last Friday in October to November 11 each year.”
I close with a message from current President, Ed McDowell, RCL Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261: “The Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261 of the Royal Canadian Legion, has been serving Veterans, their families, and the community for 90 years. We hope to continue serving for at least another 10 years to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2034. We need more members to get involved in the operations of our Legion by sharing their expertise as a part of the executive board. Please consider volunteering as a Legion board member. Thank you to all current and past volunteer board members, as well as the Branch 261 Ladies Auxiliary, who have been supporting Veterans, this branch, and our community for 86 years. There have been times over the years when funds were low, and with the financial support of our Ladies Auxiliary, we were able to survive.”
All of us at Biz X magazine congratulate McDowell, McKibbin and everyone involved with RCL Col. Paul Poisson Branch 261, on your 90 years of service to Canada, Veterans and their families, and to the local community.
