Preeceville Legion marks milestone year

Courtesy of Preeceville Progress

The Preeceville Legion marked its 90th anniversary with a banquet and special program on April 28 with Bill Lesko, president as master of ceremonies.

Lesko kicked off the program with reciting the Act of Remembrance, followed by the introduction of the head table with guest Cathay Wagantall, Yorkton-Melville MP and her husband Martin, pastor Hein Bertram and Adrienne Larrivee, pastpresident and veteran. He went on to introduce the youth ambassadors: Camryn Nelson, Amber Spray and Fiona Pinaroc.

He also gave a brief history of the Legion prior to the banquet.

“On March 1933, a group of First World War veterans got together and decided a Legion was needed. The Preeceville Legion #188 was born and the club was chartered on April 28, 1933. The members first met in the back of Kzakewich’s store and later rented space in the Stitz’s store. The club would eventually purchase the Stitz store in 1935 for a sum of $500.

“In 1950, they purchased the current building from the airbase in Yorkton. During the Second World War, Yorkton was one of many airbases that were part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (a massive plan to train air crew.) After the was over there were many surplus buildings. Preeceville purchased one of those buildings and moved it to Preeceville but while moving the building it ran into problems and the move was suspended until the following year.

The Preeceville Legion has had its ups and downs and in 1979 they were faced with financial difficulties. The building was turned over to the Preeceville Lions Club on a 10-year agreement. The Legion took back possession in 1990 but membership declined and the hall was turned over to the Town of Preeceville in October 2007.

“Three years ago, the Legion had a serious discussion about giving up the charter and disbanding the Preeceville Legion as the club was down to only four members. Now, the club has rebounded and has 19 members involved. The Legion provides a Remembrance Day Service, runs the poppy campaign, oversees the poster and literacy contest at the Preeceville School, and promotes the Youth Track and Field program.

“When the Legion began, an individual had to be a veteran to join but the rules changed through the years as veteran numbers declined. As long as Canada has a military and as long as we continue to send our military to fight, there will be a requirement for the Royal Canadian Legion.”

After the banquet, a toast was made to the King and to the Fallen. A round table was set up at the back of the hall in recognition and pay tribute to the Fallen Comrades and the following information was given to help explain the significance of the settings on that table.

“You may have noticed the small table set for one that is off on its own. It is reserved to honour our fallen comrades in arms. This symbolizes that they are here with us in spirit. We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call and served the cause of freedom in a special way. We are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured the agonies of pain, deprivation and death.

“I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.

“The table is roundto show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades.

“The tablecloth is white - symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.

“The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen comrades, and the loved ones and friends of these comrades who keep the faith.

“The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen comrades.

“A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.

“A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all.

Jack Maciborski, a Preeceville Harvard 606 Air Cadet, received $1,000 Legion bursary. From left, were: Legion President Bill Lesko, Maciborski and Blaine Medlang, Legion member. Maciborski is the great-grandchild of Second World War veteran Dennis Hugh McAllister and has been accepted into the University of Saskatchewan enrolled in engineering.

“The Holy Book represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country.

“The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time.

“The chair is empty because they are no longer with us,” explained Lesko.

Lesko recited a letter of congratulations from

Terry Dennis, CanoraPelly MLA and the Zone Commander Halley Hilts.

The Legion presented Jack Maciborski, a Preeceville Harvard 606 Air Cadet with a $1,000 Legion bursary. Maciborski is the greatgrandchild of Second World War veteran Dennis Hugh McAllister and has been accepted into the University of Saskatchewan enrolled in engineering. The bursary was made possible through The Poppy Fund with special criteria required.

Cathay Wagantall, Yorkton-Melville MP, was in attendance and brought special greetings and presented the Legion with a special plaque.

The evening concluded with a draw for door prizes and silent auction items.