Renewing ties at 2025 Legion convention
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TEMISKAMING SHORES - It was a time for renewing networks and old friendships during the Royal Canadian Legion District K Spring Convention 2025.
Haileybury Branch 54 hosted this year's event April 25 to 27, attracting 70 delegates from the region that stretches from Iroquois Falls in the northeast and Hornepayne in the Northwest to Temagami in the south. The event's business included the election of officials.
With 20 branches divided into two zones, the delegates work for one main purpose, explained Deputy District Commander John Hill.
'We are all Legionnaires and we are all supporting our veterans or those that have served in Canada's armed forces or RCMP to make sure that their rights are looked after and to make sure their health and wellbeing is maintained until they depart,' said Hill.
He said among their goals is the education - of the public and of their members – as to what the Legion can provide, including advocacy for veterans, and fighting for their rights and benefits.
Convention coordinator Hank Moorlag said planning for the convention has been underway over the past few weeks.
'There have been a lot of moving parts in trying to get this all organized.'
Saturday evening included a formal meal in the form of a military regimental dinner. Sunday morning included a parade to the cenotaph.
The last time the district convention was held in Haileybury was in 2019.
'One of the beauties of these gatherings is the kind of networking that goes on because we've got these branches that are so far-flung,' said Moorlag.
People see each other very infrequently, he said.
'It's nice when we get together for a convention like this.'
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