Just a Gal from Glidden: The Legion exists so that Canada never forgets

Across Canada, Legion Branches are the cornerstone of their communities. The Kindersley Legion Branch #57 is no exception.

The Kindersley Legion Branch was formed in December of 1918 when eight veterans of World War I organized the Great War Veterans Association. The first president was W.B. Thompson. The meeting place, named “The Hut,” was located two doors west of the present Legion Hall.

In 1926, the name was changed to The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League. It became The Royal Canadian Legion in 1960.

In 1946, Kindersley’s Legion obtained the Orange Hall. It became the centre of Legion activities and still serves the community today. Extensive renovations have been done over the past few years. A new roof, front steps, windows, doors, upgraded electrical and a refinished hardwood floor on the upper level have kept the Hall very functional.

Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Sgt of Arms David Burke and Treasurer Ernie Krepps of the Kindersley Royal Canadian Legion Branch #57 in preparation for Remembrance Day. They were more than happy to give me a tour of the Hall and tell me some stories.

The walls are adorned with photos of veterans and other memorabilia. Ernie was eager to show me some photo albums that contained newspaper clippings and pictures from Legion events. In particular, one was the cover of Maclean’s magazine from June 7, 2004, which featured a drawing of Len Warman from Kindersley, done in Ottawa in 1942 just prior to his shipping out for England in World War II. The magazine was paying tribute to the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion in 1944.

David told a fascinating story of Private Wilfrid Fakeley killed in action at Passchendale on November 10, 1917.

One day, they were cleaning at the Kindersley Anglican Church. There was an old cardboard box that was ready for the garbage pile. Someone decided to look before the box was tossed, and inside was Private Fakeley’s wooden cross from Passchendale. David said you could tell the mud line on how far the two pieces of picket fence were stuck in the ground. Stamped in copper were his Regiment number, his name, rank and the day he fell. The Legion has since donated it to the Kindersley and District Museum.

“It’s so surreal to me. Very few of those crosses make it home, said David. Nobody knows how that cross got there. How many years was it in the basement of that church? Decades.”

Ernie takes me for a quick tour and points out a picture on the wall. “If you don’t know what that is, I’m gonna whack ya,” Ernie laughs.

Thankfully, I knew that it was the Vimy Ridge Memorial.

“Very good. You got it!”
Branch 57 has been host to numerous Zone, District and Provincial sporting events. In 1997 it hosted the Dominion Senior’s Curling. It has had Provincial winners in curling in 1964 men’s, 1975 men’s, 1987 and 1989 mixed. One of the fellows looked familiar in the curling championship photo. A much younger and darker haired, David Burke! We all shared a chuckle over that.

The Legion always has and still supports many community projects. Through the years, the Branch has made substantial donations to the hospital, senior citizens hall, and the rinks, to name a few.

“It wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support from the community, said Burke. I can’t thank this community enough.”

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legion has been unable to host its monthly suppers, which is how they raise a lot of their funds. They did hold a successful Toy Run back in September, and the annual Poppy Canvas started on October 30.

The Legion understands the importance of honouring past sacrifices and acknowledging the courage of those who served and still serve today. Through Remembrance Day ceremonies, which will be virtual this year, the Poppy Canvas and more, the Legion helps Canadians to honour and remember. There is no doubt that the Kindersley Branch continues to do their part, even in these uncertain times.

Photo: Sgt of Arms David Burke and long-time Legion member Ernie Krepps.