NOVEMBER & DECEMBER  2007

"THE     SENTINAL”

The President’s Word

     With the loss of yet another member of our fighting forces in Afghanistan, a local man at that, we are continually being brought to realize the impact of war and the undaunted sacrifices that our troops are offering in the cause of humanity. While there are constant murmurings of those who show no support for our troops, the vast majority realize the commitment that has been made and a growing patriotism becomes evident.

     From the Boer War, through Passchendaele, the Two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East, our veterans have pressed on, through fear, misery, pain and loss, to sacrifice themselves for principles that they and we as Canadians cherish. Throughout history, members of the Canadian military have proven themselves to be a most worthy, effective, efficient and respectable fighting force. Of this fact, we must stand strong in our beliefs and faith in them. Those who continue to remonstrate the purpose of our armed forces should carefully consider our commitment to common humanity, and become cognizant of their great humanitarian accomplishments.

   Over the years, thousands of our worthy veterans never had the opportunity to return to their families. Others survived, suffering from most honourable wounds and mental scars of a ravaged world. Others returned home with shattering memories of a ruthless land of untold destruction; children left homeless and without family; living in a life where there were no more tears. The elderly and women cruelly manipulated and tortured with grief and agony. This memory of our veterans was the legacy of their sacrifice and commitment.

     The countless number of graves meticulously kept by the children of the countries which our veterans managed to liberate from the occupation of a tyrannical force, bringing them a hope of a new life, became the sepulchre of the greatest generations our country has known.

     We will remember them.

  It is the veteran who guaranteed the great and free land we call Canada and the privileges we can realize without fear. These are the defenders of our country and our faith so that we can progress as a great nation. Because of our veterans, we have inherited great opportunities and a land that perhaps dwells in greater peace than most other countries. However, we must not defile this freedom with radical acts. We must maintain the strength to challenge the trivial controversies and pathetic selfish whims and maintain the dignity of our land and our people. Above all, we must support our troops!!

     I am particularly proud of the people of this area who have demonstrated great loyalty and support for our troops. Even the young people respectfully address a veteran and thank him for their sacrifices for us.

     Today we reflect on our veterans of the past conflicts and those in current battlefronts.

     Again, and ultimately, we must respectfully and with gratitude, honour above all else,

Remembrance Day!!!

     REMEMBER: THE POPPY IS TO BE WORN FROM 26 OCTOBER TO THE END OF THE REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE. IT SHOULD NOT BE WORN AFTER 11 NOVEMBER.  HONOUR IS DIGNITY.    

  Cde Gordon Day, President

      Ladies Auxiliary

     Congratulations to Jean Hart on your fund raising event. Hopefully it will inspire others to come up with some unique event of their own. Plans for the new building are coming along well.

     Saturday, Nov. 3rd from 10am-2pm, the Auxiliary is sponsoring a Shopping Spree and Bake Sale. Come and have breakfast and shop from many of your favourite Home Party ladies. Your orders will be here well ahead of Christmas.

     For our Christmas raffle, the LA is raffling three lovely pieces of jewellery (on display in the showcase). Tickets are $2.00 and are available from LA members. Draw date is Dec. 21st.

     I’d like to congratulate two of our local students, Beverley Garrison and Jessie Parker (Great grandson of Jim and Brenda Donnelly), who were each awarded a $500.00 bursary from the LA Provincial Bursary fund. Each LA in Alberta-NWT Command donates funds for bursaries for Alberta Grade 12 graduating students who will be continuing with their education in Alberta.

     Let us now take this opportunity to honour and remember those who have served and are serving in the various wars. Some made the supreme sacrifice, others returned home physically and/or mentally scarred. The lives of all who served and are now serving have been changed forever. God bless them all and may we forever be grateful for their service and sacrifice.

     Thank-you for supporting your Branch and The Ladies Auxiliary.

                                  Ida Wegelin, President

MEMBERSHIP

      The 2008 Membership Campaign is well under way and you have until Nov. 30th to get your Early Bird sticker on your card. I am happy to report we have quite a few new members to our Branch and I would like to say a sincere “Welcome” to those new members.

     Also, thank you from the Friends of the Legion to everyone who supported my “Haircut”. We raised approximately $1,350.00 . One small step closer to our new building.                                        Jean Hart, Membership  Chairman

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Shopping Spree and Bake Sale

Saturday, Nov. 3rd 10am-2pm

Brunch 10am-2pm  $10.00

Remembrance Day Service

Sunday, November 11th/06

Time:  10:00 a.m. 

Place:  Flare & Derrick

Fellowship to Follow at

The Turner Valley Legion #78

Children are welcome in the Branch until 2 p.m.

Remembrance Day

Brunch Buffet Noon - 2 p.m. $12.00

Bacon/ Sausage/ Scrambled Eggs

 Hash browns/ Hot Cakes

 Lasagne/Dinner Rolls

Assorted Salads/ Dessert

Tea/Coffee 

3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Beef On A Bun with Fries $5.00

Children welcome in the Branch until 2pm.

Crib Tournament/Legion Teams

Saturday, Nov. 17th

Contact Shirley Schatz @ 933-3944/3241

LITTLE BROWN JUG CURLING BONSPIEL

NOV. 16TH-18TH

DINNER & DANCE SAT. NOV. 17th

CONTACT MICHEL JACKSON @ 933-4794

NOTICES

   General Meeting

Tuesday, Nov. 13th @ 8:00pm Executive 7:00pm

HOSPITAL  PARKING PERMITS:

For The Foothills, Rocky View and the Peter Lougheed  are available to all members on a short term basis only.  Passes can be obtained from the Branch.

SENIORS CHRISTMAS DINNER

SUNDAY, NOV.  18th 4:00pm

Advance Tickets $8.00