Legion Br. 157 granted approval in perpetuity for Legion Week parade

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 157.

The Legion Week parade has been approved not only for this year, but in the years to come as well.

Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie appeared before town council asking for the event permit be approved in perpetuity, something elected officials agreed to. Fees will also be waived in perpetuity.

“National Legion Week is designed to educate the public on the good work that the Legions do for our communities,” said Wilkie. “It reinforces the important roles Legions play in our hard mission to serve and support our veterans as well as contribute to the well-being of our community. It serves as a vehicle to drive new traffic to our branch, attract new members and sign up volunteers.”

Wilkie pointed out Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 received the Community Service/Charitable Award at the Amherstburg Chamber of Commerce’s Business Excellence Awards held in McGregor May 7.

“During our annual Legion Week, many events are planned at our branch in order to engage our amazing community with the Legion,” he said.

The Amherstburg Legion turns 97-years-old this year, and Wilkie said the branch received a district award for the highest membership increase. He added Legion Br. 157 currently has 584 members with various membership designations.

The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating its 100^th anniversary nationally this year, he added.

“The Legion Week parade occurs annually on the third Saturday in September. This year’s parade is scheduled for Sept. 19,” he said.

Town council passed the request in a unanimous vote.

Mayor Michael Prue said it means it doesn’t have to come back to council but a future town council could still have a say into the future of the event and what could happen.

 Other special events that were approved by Amherstburg town council at the May 11 meeting were the Amherstburg Horticultural Society’s Garden Tour, scheduled for June 27-28, as Toddy Jones Park is a location that is used, the Active Aging Expo May 29 at the Libro Centre from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and the Pedals at Passports event at the Libro Centre Aug. 8 from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Legion Br. 157 granted approval in perpetuity for Legion Week parade

By Ron Giofu