Royal Canadian Legion

MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING HELD AT BRANCH 003
IN GEILENKIRCHEN ON SATURDAY 12 MARCH 2011

In Attendance:

Observer Members in Attendance:

Item / Description

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Zone Commander distributed to each Branch an information folder. The contents of the folder will be listed as Annex A.

1. The Zone Commander opened the meeting at 14:20 hours by welcoming all in attendance. He said before we begin the business of the meeting that has brought us together we will pause for a moment to remember two of our Comrades that have passed away since our last meeting;

Comrade Peter Dekker of Branch 005; Peter was a very proud Legion member who joined when the Branch was formed in the Netherlands. He was involved from day one and was always available as a member of the Colour Party. Peter was always looking for solutions that would contribute to better the Branch in everyone's best interest. Personally I always looked forward to meeting him and his wife Susan at ceremonies. Peter died on 2 January 2011 at the age of 81. We will remember him.

Comrade Ronald La Fontaine Branch 004; Roy served as a soldier with the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corps and took his release from the army in the summer of 1972. He and his wife Marleis their two children, son Mark and daughter Sandra resided in Wickede (Ruhr), Germany. Roy and his wife owned and operated a successful Gasthaus business in Wickede. He joined the Royal Canadian Legion when Branch 004 did a Remembrance Service in Werl. Roy died on 14 November 2010 at the age of 66 following a lengthy illness. We will remember him.

2. The Zone Secretary reviewed the minutes of the last Zone Meeting held at Branch 002 in the Lahr on 21 August 2010.

3. Adoption of the minutes

There being no observations of errors or omissions to report the minutes were adopted as presented. A motion to adopt the minutes was made by Comrade Bill Farley and seconded by Comrade Alphonse Deguire.

Motion Carried

4. The Zone Financial Statement covering the period form the last meeting 19 August 2010 until 3 March 2011 that is included in the information folder was reviewed.

5. Adoption of the Financial Statement

There being no observations raised to the report a motion to adopt the financial statement as presented was made by Comrade Val Laucke and seconded by Comrade Harry Irish.

Motion Carried

Old Business

6. 28 Aug Branch 003 Ceremony at the De La Haye Memorial in Belgium

The president will report on this event in his report by Branches later in the agenda.

7. 10-13 September Liberation of Belgium Ceremonies

We had a busy couple of days, on Saturday 11 September at approximately 0700 hours we paraded the colours for the commencement of the Operation Switchback March which was held at a Polish Memorial in Aaltar. It was nice to meet and chat with members of the Canadian Military Contingent from SHAPE that were present and took part in the march. At approximately 1030 hours we did a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial in Oostkamp and in the afternoon we visited Ieper (Ypres). On route to Ypres we visited several memorials and Tyne Cot Cemetery. We had supper in a local restaurant with Comrade Steve Douglas, who owns and operates a book store in Ypres. This gathering gave the Zone Commander the opportunity to present Steve with a Certificate of Appreciation for his annual contribution to the Poppy Fund. We paraded the colours and attend the ceremony at the Menin Gate at 2000 hours and laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Sunday 12 September we paraded the colours and participate in the Liberation of Belgium Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. In addition to the Canadians soldiers that are commemorated annually at this ceremony the organizing committee have finally officially included the British and Polish soldiers that are also laid to rest in this cemetery. The ceremony was well done with the presence of a representative of the King, government officials from each of the countries and mayors from the local communities. The ceremony was highlighted by the presence of the youth that take an active part in the ceremony. In addition to a Military Band and Choir we were proud of our piper Comrade Diederik De Jaeger who was the official piper for the ceremony. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion. After the ceremony we attended the reception in Adegem followed by a visit to the Canadian Museum where the owner Comrade Gilbert Van Landschoot and his family welcomed us and provided us with a free lunch.

8. 20 October IJzendijke Ceremony

This ceremony was on the verge of being cancelled until the Zone Commander volunteered to conduct the ceremony. With the combined efforts of Comrades Iris & Daniel Van Landschoot, Comrades Diederik & Josiane De Jeager, Mr. Geert Aalders and his wife Linda, Peter King and his wife Joan from the UK president of the IJzendijke Memorial Foundation the ceremony went ahead as planned. The Zone Commander said his statement "that it never rains on my parades" is still in tact since instead we had a hail storm; snow and wind that blow you away but it didn't rain. In spite of the weather conditions everyone did their part in the ceremony. Special thanks are extended to our piper, bugler and the members of the NSB flag party that joined us for the ceremony. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion. A small reception was held following the ceremony in a local café. The Zone Commander will speak on the future of this ceremony later in the agenda.

9. 5-8 November Beaumont-Hamel & Vimy Remembrance Day Ceremonies

Both ceremonies were well done and had good participation. Our presence was acknowledged by the organizers and the many dignitaries present. A wreath was laid at both ceremonies on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion. We had the opportunity to meet with many Canadian dignitaries and guests during the reception that followed each ceremony.

10. 11 November Branch Remembrance Day Services

This item will be reported on in the report by Branches Presidents later in the agenda. However, I can tell you that Branch 002 had a first class ceremony in Lahr and a report I received from Branch 001 in Söllingen described a well organized and successful ceremony in their location.

11. 21 November Branch 001 Remembrance Ceremony at Choloy, France

The President will report on this event in his report by Branches later in the agenda.

New Business

12. Review the proposed Events Calendar for 2011

The proposed events calendar for 2011 was distributed to the Branches and posted on the Zone Website in November. The events calendar, as known at this time, was reviewed and approved with a few final details such as dates for ceremonies being added.

13. Discuss and approve the drafted Zone Europe By-Laws

The Zone Commander said it his responsibility to get Zone and Branches as applicable organized at least from an administration prospective. A copy of the drafted Zone Europe By-Laws was distributed to the Branches in December for discussion at the Branch Level since the attached Appendix of Zone By-Laws will affect Branch operations for Branches that do not have their own By-Laws or Branch By-Laws that have been outdated.

Following the discussion the Zone Commander requested by a motion that the Drafted Zone By-Laws be approve by the Zone Executive and Branch Presidents so he can forward them to Dominion Command for approval.

Motion Carried

14. 9 April Vimy Ridge Day Ceremony

The 09 April has been designated as "Vimy Ridge Day" and a "National Day of Remembrance" to commemorate this famous battle where Canadians done what others could not; Capture Vimy Ridge. I have received the official invitation to provide a Colour Party and attend this ceremony. Limited accommodations have been arranged at the Campanile in Arras. This event has been posted since December requesting Branches to provide names of members wishing to attend this ceremony not later than Monday 14 March 2011. The ceremony will take place at 1600 hours.

15. 4-5 May Liberation of the Netherlands Ceremonies

As I am sure you are all aware that many of the big ceremonies that honoured and paid tribute to our World War II Veterans, heroes and liberators have come to an end in the Netherlands last year. However, two events will continue the Remembrance Day Service at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten on 4 May and the parade in Wageningen on 5 May.

In the past we did not have to be concerned with the number of members that took part in these ceremonies since we had free accommodations provided by the Dutch Military in Ede. We did in the past stay at other military establishments (many of which are no closed) that had been organized on the "old boy net" that no longer exists. Ede is now closed and we will be looking at hotel accommodations for the future. With this in mind Branches are reminded this ceremony will now have to be treated as other ceremonies we attend based in the beginning with selecting four Branch members that wish to attend and forward the names to Zone in a timely manner so accommodations can be arranged.

Names for this ceremony must be submitted to Zone not later than 8 April 2011. More information regarding these ceremonies will be posted on the Zone Website as it becomes available.

16. 1 July Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Service

Limited accommodations have been arranged at the Campanile in Arras. Branches are requested to submit the names of members wishing to attend this ceremony not later than 10 June 2011. Information regarding this ceremony will be posted on the Zone Website as it becomes available.

17. Report on the Poppy Campaign

Comrade Brent Burden, Poppy Chairman for Europe, reported on the status of the Poppy Trust Fund for the period 01 October 2010 till 30 September 2011. For this a detailed report was distributed. A total of € 6,252.40 was collected from all over Europe. A special mention was made of Comrades Howard Miller & Gerard Visser and their associates who collected over half of the total, an amount of € 3,851.08. It was suggested that the Zone Commander should look into the possibility direct money transfer over money orders in order to reduce administrative expenses.

Comrade Burden and Comrade Greg Rogers, who will take over the position of Poppy Chairman, presented this year's collection of $ 8,205.75 to the Zone Commander. The Zone Commander extended his thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in the Poppy Campaign and will forward the money to Dominion Command as a Zone Europe donation to the RCEL Fund.

Comrades Howard Miller and Gerard Visser gave presentations on the future of the Poppy Campaign they have initiated in the West of the Netherlands. In summary the presentation outlined the potential of the campaign and requested assistance from members of Branch 005. The present committee will be available to provide administration support but due to aging will be unable to provide the footwork required for collection in the future. Some initiatives have already taken place in this regard and should be in place for the next poppy campaign.


18. Correspondence

A. IJzendijke, The Netherlands

The Zone Commander has been corresponding with members of the IJzendijke Memorial Association. Following the ceremony on 20 October 2010 the Zone Commander held a meeting with prominent members of the association regarding the future of this ceremony which was about to fade into history. The memorial inspired by Sergeant Martin Reagan who was there as a young Tank Commander on that fateful day was erected in 1997 and dedicated to the memory of the Canadian and British Soldiers who lost their lives there on 20 Oct 1944. In the first few years there were three full bus loads of veterans and relatives attended. Sadly the enemy which is time and aging reduced last year's attendance to only two relatives. Sergeant Regan who is very ill and his wife Jean were unable to attend for the first time by strict doctors orders.

The Zone Commander said he felt a strong obligation to continue an annual commemorative ceremony that would pay tribute to the sacrifice of these soldiers and tabled the following proposal;

The Royal Canadian Legion travels to Belgium each year on the second weekend in September to participate in the Liberation of Belgium Ceremonies and the Zone Commander will conduct a ceremony annually on the second Saturday in September at the IJzendijke Memorial at 1400 hours.

Since that meeting the IJzendijke Committee have accepted the proposal, have set up a trust fund to ensure the protection of the memorial with maintenance and insurance in perpetuity. Information regarding the ceremony has been distributed to all members of the association. I will finish with a quote from a letter received from Mr. Peter King from Balsdall Common in the UK "All our organizers are also aging and are no longer able to organize our annual commemorative event on the day of the tragedy - 20 October. However, thanks to the wonderful support of our great friends, the Royal Canadian Legion of Zone Europe we have been able to secure a fine and honourable option. A full ceremony, manned by a piper, bugler and a full standard party of the Royal Canadian Legion under the command of the Zone Commander will take place every year on the second Saturday in September at 2 PM at the monument".

B. Dominion Command Award

The Zone Commander congratulated Branch 004 on their achievement in earning an Early Bird Award from Dominion Command and presented the President with the seal in recognition of their accomplishment for 2011.

19. Report by Branches

Branch 001: The President Frank Shea reported that the Branch now meets at the Gasthaus "Löwe" in Söllingen on Fridays. Every second Friday a Bingo is held with the exception of July & August to which the Lahr branches are invited. The Branch has three major events over the year, 1st of July, 11th of November, and a New Year's Levy. In the past the Branch was invited to Heidelberg for the Canada Day celebrations, but one hopes to possibly invite them down this year. It is unsure if the Branch will organize a Remembrance Day Ceremony this year, an invitation was received to participate at a ceremony in Vimy which is to be organized by Col. Hodgson. This year the New Years Levy did not take place due to closure of the Gasthaus, but one hopes to definitely plan it in for 2012. Also Comrades from the Branch took part in a Ceremony in Choloy on the 27th of November 2010.

Branch 002: The President Alphonse Deguire stated that the Branch has well attended regular Bingo's, the last Jack Pot being won by a member from Branch 004. The Remembrance Day Ceremony on the 11th of November 2010 went extremely well. The attendance was high and a letter was received from the Bürgermeister of Lahr mentioning the importance of this Ceremony. The Branch in connection with Zone, is planning a Normandy Battlefield Tour from the 10th to 14th of August 2011. A handout was distributed to the Branch Presidents outlining the itinerary. Dress for this trip is casual. Costs travel and accommodations will be covered by the Zone. It is to be noted that each Branch has 4 allocations for this trip and the deadline for registration to be made to Branch 002 through Comrade Reg Bonnar is the 31st of March 2011. Unused allocations will be passed on to other Branches.

Branch 003: The President Brian Almon said that the Branch is happy to host this Zone Meeting and was pleased with the good turn out. Everything is going rather well and one is looking for ways to generate more funds. The President hopes that things will work out better this year within the Branch and looks to rectify problems of the past. The Branch has several social functions going on; some doing so well that prior reservations are required.

Branch 004: The President Lasca Monrose stated that the Branch has a regular monthly function where a meal is offered and some funds are generated. This year the Branch will hold a Canada Day celebration at the end of June. This years Remembrance Day Ceremony on the 11th of November will be held in Werl, with a small ceremony a week prior to this to be held in Kippenheim.

Branch 005: The President Peter Spierenburg stated that the Branch took part in a Remembrance Sunday together with the Association 44/45 with approximately 12 members present. There was certain displeasure among the organizers due to the fact that neither the Canadian Ambassador nor Military Attaché were present. The Branch regularly has two social activities per year. A New Years reception took place with 12 members present and on this day a General Meeting with Elections was planned, but due to the Zone Meeting was re-scheduled for April 2011. There is more to the situation of the Branch to report which will be done under the point "Open Discussion"

20 Open Discussion

A. Branch 005

The President, Comrade Peter Spierenburg made a presentation of the situation of the Branch. He said that due to dwindling membership numbers and to the lack of social events, one is presently in a desolate financial situation. The Executive has been meeting regularly over the past weeks to contemplate a long term solution. In summary the Branch has to seek a solution in order to meet its commitments both to its members and also to Zone Europe. The most drastic option would be to close Branch 005 and/or to amalgamate with another Branch. In the General Meeting to be held on the 23rd of April 2011 this and other options will be discussed. The membership will then have to decide which root will be taken.

B. Zone Executive

Following the decision of Comrade Gerry Lemay to step down as Deputy Zone Commander at our last Zone Meeting in August of 2010 left the Zone Commander with the responsibility to appoint a replacement. On 27 October 2010 a letter was sent to members of the Zone Executive and Branch Presidents outlining in detail his decision to appoint the following members to the Zone Executive and solicited their approval:

Comrade Jocelyn Gelinas from Branch 003 as the Deputy Zone Commander
Comrade Frank Becker from Branch 004 as the Zone Secretary
Comrade Daniel Van Landschoot from Branch 002 as the Zone Sgt-at-Arms

The Zone Commander thanked the Branch Presidents for their quick response in unanimously accepting the nominations.
In early January 2011 the Zone Commander sent a message to all Branch Presidents with a call for Zone Elections and requested Branches to forward nominations if any to Zone by mid February to allow ample time to prepare for elections if required at this Zone Meeting. Having received no nominations The Zone Commander asked in the form of a motion to accept the present Zone Executive for another term. All members voted in favour of the motion.

Motion Carried

C. Initiation Ceremony

The Zone Commander initiated the new members of the Zone Executive. The Zone Executive is as follows:

Zone Commander, Comrade Reg Bonnar
Deputy Zone Commander, Comrade Jocelyn Gelinas
Zone Service Officer, Comrade Valerie Laucke
Zone Secretary, Comrade Frank Becker
Zone Sgt-at-Arms, Comrade Daniel Van Landschoot

21. Meeting Adjournment

There being no further business to discuss a motion was made by Comrade Alphonse Deguire and seconded by Comrade Brian Almon that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 16:40 hours.

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 001 in Söllingen on Saturday 30 July 2011 at 1400 hours.

Annex A to the
Minutes of the Zone Meeting
Held on 12 March 2011

Contents of the Folder,

• Itinerary for the Zone Meeting
• Minutes of last Zone Meeting held at Branch 002 on 21 Aug 2010
• Financial Statement covering period 19 August 2010 to 03 March 2011
• Calendar of Ceremonies and Events for 2011 as known at this time
• Branch contribution to the Ceremonial Fund
• Copy of the drafted Zone Europe By-Laws
• Summary of Branch Contribution to Ceremonial Fund
• Dominion Command Membership Summary of European Branches
• Summary of Membership Information recently received from Dominion Command