Legion Week underway - including unveilings of signs and banners
- Ron Giofu
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Legion Week got underway in Amherstburg last weekend with a parade and unveilings of projects that have been in the works.
The Legion Week parade started behind the former General Amherst High School and came through the downtown core, winding its way up to Sandwich St. S., Richmond St. and heading back to Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157.
Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie called Legion Week “an incredibly rich opportunity for guests and the media to check out what branches do.” He said in 1953, a group of comrades from Br. 28 in Kent, Ontario and Br. 185 in Blenheim got together to see if they could spread the word about what the Legion is about. That same year, the first Legion Week was celebrated at Br. 113 in Dresden.
“In 1980, Ontario Command introduced the first Legion Week to be celebrated in all branches in Ontario,” he said. “In 2026, the Royal Canadian Legion celebrates our 100th anniversary. Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 will be celebrating our 96th anniversary. We are a non-profit organization assuming the responsibility of maintaining the tradition of remembrance of those who paid the supreme sacrifice by defending our great nation in past conflicts so that Canadians can live with the freedom we enjoy today.”
Wilkie added the Legion continues to support and represent the veterans of past and present with many benefits “as a result of the determination of thousands of dedicated members and volunteers at all levels of the organization.” He said Legions across the province work with affiliated organizations, Ladies Auxiliaries and others to raise funds to support programs within the Royal Canadian Legion.
“The Legion supports numerous programs benefitting veterans, seniors and youth within our communities,” said Wilkie. “Currently, there are 389 branches in Ontario with over 100,000 members strong.”
The Amherstburg Legion has 456 members and has donated over $40,000 in the last two years supporting veteran services, military families, seniors, cadets and the community.
Wilkie pointed out Legion Br. 157 hosted the Ruck to Remember and their “Operation Leave the Streets Behind.” They are raising money for homeless veterans, he noted.
“Most importantly, our branch is strong and viable due to the support of our members, our volunteers, the Ladies Auxiliary and the #202 Fort Malden Windsor Regiment Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and our great community,” said Wilkie.
Capt. Ernie Gazdig CD presented the Legion Br. 157 a print with a collage of images. The image was donated by the Windsor Regiment for the support the Legion shows them.
Wilkie also unveiled the first banner that will be installed along Sandwich St. S. near Remembrance Day. Town council recently approved the banners with veterans’ pictures, names, ranks and years of service to go up along Sandwich St. between North St. and Park St.
Also unveiled were the “Veteran’s Way” signs that will go up on street signs along Dalhousie St. in the downtown core.
Past initiatives include the veterans’ crosswalk at Dalhousie St. and Murray St. and the street signs with poppies that have gone up in recent years.
Wilkie praised the support they get from the town to honour veterans.
Mayor Michael Prue said he is a proud member of the Legion and the town is happy to support their initiatives. He said he enjoys going to the Legion and speaking with veterans and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Prue encouraged the Legion to keep bringing forth ideas.
“This is part of our gratitude,” he said.
Prue added the town is proud of its history and proud of its veterans.
Legion Week underway - including unveilings of signs and banners
By Ron Giofu
Comments