Acadia Branch #208 celebrates 65th anniversary

By David McKinstry, Secretary Acadia 208

April 6, 2024, the Acadia Branch #208 of the Royal Canadian Legion gathered to celebrate 65 years in the Oyen area. The evening event also recognized several members of the Ladies Auxiliary.

President Greg Wilson welcomed the guests before the Sgt. At Arms marched in the colours. Once the Ceremony of Remembrance concluded, attendees heard remarks read from Member of Parliament Damien Kurek and MLA Minister Nate Horner. They conveyed their regrets for being unable to attend.

Alberta/NWT Command representative District 9 Commander Deb Bolduc from Drumheller congratulated our Legion for many years of service to the community and presented a certificate to Comrade Greg Wilson.

Vice President Kim Walker recognized Ladies Auxiliary members Evelyn Mills of Oyen and Lauretta Thygesen of Calgary, the only living Charter members of the Auxiliary. Mary Wenzel, Doris Walker, Mary Johnston and Imogene Hauck received Branch Life Membership awards.

The Legion also recognized long-time supporter Diana Walker. Diana and her mother, Helen Ball (a Legion Auxiliary member), organized the Remembrance Day issues and other Legion news in The Oyen Echo for many years.

A delicious supper catered by Simply Satisfied Catering, led by Kelly Skappak, fed the 125 guests.

After supper, Jeff Newman Mentalist of Calgary entertained the crowd. Most everyone was, and probably still is, wondering how he came up with the answers from those participating in his show.

Many enjoyed decorations and displays set out for the guests to relive the service our members gave to our community. The Mills family displayed a table of their keepsakes. The Don McKay Jr. Chest and information has a long history. The chest was auctioned off at the Ian McKay sale years ago. Someone from Hanna purchased it containing his medals and documents. Almost immediately, the individual contacted Gordon Johnsen, our retired pharmacist, and reported what he had. He stressed that this wartime memorabilia should come back to its home. Now, it will store these items and come out for display on special occasions in memory of Don McKay Jr, shot down in 1942.

Over the past few weeks, volunteers spruced up the hall: they refinished the dance floor and cleaned the carpet after almost 10 years. They installed new lighting fixtures on the walls and completed many other background tasks to make our hall sparkle. We are grateful to all of those members and non-member volunteers who lent a hand in getting things ready.

It's hard to believe our hall opened in 1980! We look forward to our 75th.

PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER/THE OYEN ECHO (Except where indicated)