For many years, the City of Wasaga Seashore has been left with out its Royal Canadian Legion Department, however that is all set to vary.
This weekend, the City will rejoice the launch of its new department, the primary to be created in Ontario in 19 years.
The thought was that of retired army veteran Marc Séguin, who moved to Wasaga Seashore in 2012 whereas posted at CFB Borden.
Séguin retired in 2015 and thought it unusual {that a} city the scale of Wasaga Seashore had no legion, so he determined to place out feelers on-line, making it his mission over the previous few years.
“Final yr after the mayor was elected, I got here, I approached him and stated, ‘I do not need to hassle you proper now. I do know your fingers are full, however I’ll method you after Remembrance Day to speak to you a couple of legion in the neighborhood,'” Séguin stated. “Council was supportive, the mayor was extraordinarily supportive, after which we began the method from there.”
After a lot paperwork, Wasaga Seashore Royal Canadian Legion Department 645 was created.
Discussions are nonetheless underway with the City to find out a location, Séguin stated, however in keeping with the City’s mayor, it is solely a matter of time.
“Wasaga Seashore was initially constructed and based due to the troops coming from Base Borden,” stated Mayor Brian Smith. “That is the place it began. “There’s lots of historical past right here with the army in Wasaga Seashore, so it is a pure match.”
Séguin’s imaginative and prescient for the brand new department focuses on youth. He intends to draw youthful veterans and their households into the fold, which he feels has been a problem for the Royal Canadian Legion.
“It’s gratifying to know that native veterans and neighborhood members perceive the Legion’s mission and need to be a part of it, and likewise need to assist us modernize and supply new and revolutionary methods to serve our Veterans, their households and communities,” reads a press release from Bruce Julian, Dominion President of The Royal Canadian Legion. “On behalf of Dominion Command, I want the brand new Wasaga Seashore department nice success.”
On Sunday, the brand new Wasaga Seashore Legion and the City will maintain a celebration for the neighborhood to attend.
Séguin added that he hopes to safe and open a location by June.
