Unity Legion Branch No.90

Today, we observe Vimy Ridge Day. During the First World War, 3,598 Canadians were killed and over 7,000 were wounded in the 1917 Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The Canadian forces successfully took the strategic high ground from German forces after previous Allied attempts failed. It was the first time all four divisions of the Canadian Corps fought together, serving as a symbol of unity and bravery.

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial in northern France honours the Canadian soldiers who served in First World War, where the walls are inscribed with the names of 11,169 Canadian soldiers who died in France and have no known grave.

Lest we forget, lest we forget.

Our flag is flying at half mast to honour the life of Burdett "Burd" Sisler, the oldest known living Canadian, and one of the world's oldest Second World War veterans, who passed away at the age of 110.

Born in Akron, Ohio, on April 14, 1915, Sisler moved to Toronto when he was three years old. Sisler enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army in 1943. He originally wanted to join the Royal Canadian Air Force, but even though enlistment officers told him he was one of their best candidates, he was turned away because of a bad eye.

Sisler trained to become a military gunner in Nova Scotia and later took radar training in Barriefield, Ont., where he became a telecommunications mechanic. In 1945, he joined the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers, where he ultimately became a sergeant.

The Second World War ended before Sisler was deployed abroad.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

The Unity Legion would like to recognize Taylor Ducherer for being one of our Grad 2025 scholarship winners at Unity Composite High School. Taylor is taking Biomedical Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan and is the child of Travis and Kim Ducherer. Congratulations Taylor, we wish you much success in your post-secondary education.

Presented by James Quiring
Photo by Helena Long

At last night's meeting, we were honoured to present a Quilt of Valour to Korean War veteran, Mervin Slater. Mervin was joined by his family and was lost for words following the presentation. Thank you Mervin for your service during the Korean War.

We saw some big changes within our branch the couple couple months! We welcomed 3 new members, swore in our new Service Officer, Gary Neigum, and Sargeant at Arms, James Quiring. We are excited to see how our branch will continue to grow in 2026!

Looking to book a space for your holiday party? The Unity Legion is taking bookings.
To secure your spot, contact Azure at 306-210-7131

Prior to Remembrance Day, our members were welcomed into five schools in three communities for special school Remembrance Day ceremonies. Thank you to all the school staff and students at Unity Public School, Unity Composite High School, St. Peter's School, Macklin School, McLurg High School and Norman Carter Elementary School for the invitation and the wonderful services.
All photos were taken by Helena Long

Thank you to the volunteers who placed candles at the base of the Memorial Park cenotaph and Ken and Barb Dresser for tending to the Grill Lake Memorial during the time of Remembrance.

Lest we Forget

The Unity Legion has made the draw for this year's raffle! Winners were: Bill Meek-$400, Carol Slater-$200 and Twilla Delhommeau-$100.
Congrats to our winners and thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket!

Legion Branch No. 90 Remembrance Day Services are as follows:
Nov. 5- 11 a.m. Unity Public School; 1:30 p.m. Unity Composite High School
Nov. 6- 11 a.m. St. Peter's School; 2 p.m. Macklin School
Nov. 7- 10 a.m. McLurg High School, Norman Carter in attendance.

Nov. 11 Services
10:30 a.m. start at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Unity; Macklin Communiplex, Macklin; and SaskCan Centre, Wilkie.
10:45 a.m. start at Senlac Hall, Senlac.

If you need to find a service else where take advantage of the Legion's 'Find a Service' tool.

Find a Ceremony Find a Remembrance Day Ceremony in your community. The Royal Canadian Legion hosts Remembrance Day ceremonies in cities and towns across Canada. Search for a ceremony near you.

We had some special guests at our meeting this past Thursday.

First, UCHS student Casey Lewin, who attended the Royal Canadian Legion National Track & Field competition this past August. She placed 6th overall in Discus and also competed in the 100 m track event. She joined us to share what her experience was like and is willing to spread the word to other athletes who would like to compete!

Second, Helena Long was also asked to join us, to discuss the Remembrance Day banners you see along Main Street and 2nd Avenue. The banners would not have been to the calibre they are without the help of this talented woman. To show out appreciation for all of her help with this huge project, Branch President Lorne Kohlman presented Helena with a plaque.

Thank you to both ladies for joining our meeting!

Poppy season is among us! Our members will be out tomorrow dropping off poppy boxes throughout Unity, Macklin and Wilkie.