GORE BAY—The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Branch 514 in Gore Bay held gala celebrations in honour of two momentous milestones.
“Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the Western Manitoulin Branch 514 celebration of two anniversaries, the 75th anniversary of the branch charter from Ontario and Canada and the 30th anniversary of the opening of this new branch location,” said Jim Woods, past president of branch 514 and master of ceremonies for the celebrations held outside at the cenotaph in Gore Bay.
“For the executive, veterans, Legion members and staff this marks a very big milestone,” said Mr. Woods. His comments at the ceremony were made after a parade lead by the Ontario Provincial Police, parade leader Jack Bould, veterans, Legion members and members of the Gore Bay Fire Department.
The singing of our national anthem was led by Janice Hubbard.
“Creator God, we have gathered today on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people: the Ojibwe, Odawa and the Pottawatomi, to remember all veterans who have served throughout the world in world wars, different conflicts and peacekeeping,” said Erwin Thompson, who was the RCL Branch 514 chaplain for over 26 years. “We give thanks for all peoples and their service to Canada. We also give thanks for their foresight in forming the Royal Canadian Legion.”
“Today, we especially remember those veterans who 75 years ago founded this branch,” said Mr. Thompson. “They came from the communities of Western Manitoulin. Branch 514 started in Silver Water on April 24, 1950, at a meeting in the Silver Water Memorial Hall. As the membership expanded and more members were from Gore Bay the branch moved to the Town of Gore Bay on January 8, 1958. We give thanks for the founding veterans and members.”
Mr. Thompson noted, “Today, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our present building on Meredith Street. We give thanks.”
“As we gather today, we remember all veterans and members who have worked to keep this Branch 514 open and serving the communities of Manitoulin. We give thanks for their dedication,” continued Mr. Thompson.
A wreath laying ceremony took place with Comrade Jim Kiviaho Sergeant at Arms for the legion, Gary MacPherson Legion Zone H-3 commander, Branch 514 President Marilyn Clarke on behalf of Western Manitoulin Branch 514, Canada, and Gore Bay Town Manager Jason Quinlan on behalf of the town.
The Last Post was performed by Comrade Roy Eaton of the Little Current RCL Branch 177, a moment of silence, rouse and the act of remembrance by Jim Woods.
The ceremonies continued inside the RCL Branch 514 building, with Legion president Marilyn Clarke serving as master of ceremonies. “I would like to thank everyone for attending this 75th anniversary of the Branch charter and 30th anniversary of this building. I would also like to pay a special thank you to the building committee; Chair Mike Riching, Sherron Clarke secretary and co-chair, Ron Armstrong, Dougal Campbell, Pete Chausse, Marilyn Clarke, Dan Dearing, Donna Foster, Ernie Leppington, Leigh Major, Don McQuarrie, Bill Read, Bob Foster, Branch 514 president and Phil Dangerfield construction foreman.
Mr. MacPherson addressed the large gathering, “it is a pleasure to be here today. Thank you to all the people who pulled this together and everyone here for attending these anniversary celebrations.”
Comrade Eaton told the gathering, our district H commander, Flora Wilson-Chartrand district h commander forwarded an email message. “I would like to thank the RCL Branch 514 for an invitation to attend today’s anniversary celebrations. Happy 75th anniversary! It is such a tremendous accomplishment, and I thank all the members for your dedication and commitment to our veterans and keeping them well.”
“I would also like to speak on behalf of Branch 177,” said Comrade Eaton. “I personally want to thank all those branch 514 executive members who came down to celebrate our branch 95th anniversary held recently.”
Mr. Eaton noted that the two local RCL branches get together every year on the first Sunday in June to host Decoration Day ceremonies at the Manitoulin District Cenotaph. “This is a great demonstration of partnership, comradeship and working together.”
Also on hand for the ceremonies was Stuart O’Neil, first deputy Zone H3 commander and Jason Quinlan, Town of Gore Bay manager/clerk.
Ms. Clarke introduced three Charles C. McLean Public School students, who won prizes in the school Remembrance Day in Literary contest, who provided message and poems focusing on remembering the sacrifices made by veterans. The three students included Riley Hubbard, Sadie Hardy and Emily Ollington.
Michael Lalonde, Legion executive member presented the Branch 514 with a restored image of the previous Legion building in Gore Bay. “It’s an honour to present this restored image of the Legion building, one that stood proudly at the heart of our community before being replaced about 30 years ago.”
“This building represented service, friendship, and the strength of community, values that still live on in the Legion today,” said Mr. Lalonde. “Restoring this image was also part of the inspiration behind our downtown restoration, a reminder that renewal begins by honouring where we’ve come from. To all who have served and supported the Legion, thank you for keeping that spirit alive for 75 years.”
Ms. Clarke then presented a framed copy of a newspaper clipping story of the opening of the new Legion location 30 years ago, on behalf of herself and Leigh Major to Branch 514.
Jack Bould, a member of the Legion who is a realtor with Bousquet Realty Brokerage in Gore Bay presented a cheque in the amount of $500 to the Legion Branch 514, proceeds from the annual barbecue held this summer, that the business holds annually to support the Legion.
“A few days ago, our MPP for this area, Bill Rosenberg, called to apologize for not being able to be here today,” said Mr. Woods. However, “he sent us a letter, which stated, ‘On behalf of the province and residents of Algoma-Manitoulin heartfelt congratulations on the anniversary celebrations. The longevity of the Branch 514 is a testament to the community and its commitment to veterans. As you celebrate with great pride in your achievements, look forward to success in the years ahead’.”
Mr. Woods then called local resident Ken Worsley forward. Mr. Woods explained, “approximately three weeks ago yesterday I was looking at our cenotaph and felt that it was a little sad looking. I mentioned to Carol (Worsley) that we (Legion) needed to repaint the cenotaph. Carol said, ‘Ken and I can paint the cenotaph for you.’ Two days later on a Sunday, I arrived in town again to find Carol and Ken clearing their paint brushes, having repainted the cenotaph. It looks fantastic.”
While Ms. Worsley could not be in attendance, Mr. Woods presented a certificate of appreciation on behalf to the legion to both.
“We also received congratulations from the RCL provincial commander in recognition of 75 years of dedicated service, signed by provincial president Derek Moore,” said Mr. Woods.
The RCL Branch 514, “as well received a Legion Ontario Command 2024 achievement award for 100 percent or more membership,” from Mr. Moore, said Mr. Woods.
Mr. Thompson provided the benediction, saying “God, as we leave this service of celebration may we take time to remember the veterans and members of the past 75 years. As we gather in the hall for refreshments may they nourish our bodies so we too can continue the good works of those who have gone before from Branch 514. Amen.”
Branch 514 was originally named the Silver Water branch and obtained its charge in 1950; the first president was World War 1 veteran Bert Cook. Eight years later the branch relocated to an old tailor shop in Gore Bay due to a decline in the number of veterans in Silver Water.
On October 21, 1995, the new Legion was officially opened.
“Despite the predominantly grey skies last Saturday, the spirits of Island veterans and legion members were sunny as they paraded from the Gore Bay pavilion to the town’s new Legion Hall a couple of blocks away. The marchers, who included in their numbers a colour party and band, were out in force to mark the official opening of the newly constructed Branch 514 legion hall. On their way, they passed the cenotaph on the town’s main street, where they turned ‘eyes right’ and saluted a number of Legion dignitaries on hand for the auspicious event,” The Expositor reported at the time.
“Once on Phipps Street, the parade made its way to the legion hall, in front of which they came to a halt for the official opening ceremonies. Following a welcome by branch president Bob Foster, Ron Read led the parade members and a respectable crowd of sightseers in the singing of O Canada,” The Expositor continued. Among the guest speakers at the event was MP Brent St. Denis, MPP Mike Brown, Gore Bay Mayor Larry Lane, Ron Scriven of the Provincial Legion Command, Bill Wilkin, Deputy District H Commander, Sherron Clarke on behalf of the building committee. Pastor Erwin Thompson of the Silver Water United Church pastoral charge dedicated the new building. The ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by four charter members of the Gore Bay Legion-Larry Lane, Walter Smith, Betty Smith and Orland Wismer.
In a letter written by Charter Member Orland Wismer an original member of the Silver Water branch to then Gore Bay Mayor and Legion member Larry Lane, explained the origins of the Branch 514 Canadian Legion location.
“Tom Hayward was the driving force for forming a Legion Branch on Western Manitoulin. Harry Smyth helped with the inquiries and was the first secretary-treasurer branch 177 Little Current which was in existence from post-World War I.”
“Several veterans from this end of the Island were members of 177 but because of distance and transportation did not get to many meetings but usually made it to Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph at Spring Bay.”
“With those members and the WW II vets from Gore Bay west there were sufficient numbers to make another branch feasible,” wrote Mr. Wismer. “And although not all vets signed for various reasons or were not constant members it was easy enough to get enough Charter members and get the branch established.”
“Bert Cook (WWI) was elected first president, Grant Johnston next, and Orland Wismer third,” wrote Mr. Wismer. “Meetings were held (free of charge) at Silver Water Memorial Hall. There were some members from Gore Bay and a good number from the Gore Bay airport staff, who were faithful attendees. After the airport was downsized and many of the other vets from the west end left for jobs elsewhere the Legion action moved to Gore Bay.”
