Royal Canadian Legion

MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING HELD AT BRANCH 001
IN SÖLLINGEN ON SATURDAY 30 JULY 2011

In Attendance:

Zone

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

Branch 001

President, Frank Shea
2nd Vice President, Byng Giraud
Membership Chairman, Cam Audet

Branch 002

President, Alphonse Deguire
Past President, Bill Fairley
1st Vice President, Ken Gardiner

Branch 003

President, Brian Almon


Branch 004

1st Vice President, Harry Irish
Secretary, Klaus Puschmann

Branch 005

President, Mark Hoedeman
1st Vice President, Gerard Hendriks
Sgt-at-Arms, Philip Van Leeuwen

Observer Members in Attendance:

Comrade John Wallace, Br. 001 Comrade Lucien Perraut, Br. 002
Comrade Gerry Lemay, Br. 001 Comrade Hubert Ganswein, Br. 002
Comrade Gertrud Audet, Br. 001 Comrade Iris Van Landschoot, Br. 002
Comrade Tynne Barnard, Br. 001 Comrade Venah Salulnier, Br. 003
Comrade Terry O'Connor, Br. 001 Comrade Val Corbeil, Br. 003
Comrade Doris Levis, Br. 001 Comrade Dan Saulnier, Br. 003
Comrade Theresia Lemay, Br. 001 Comrade Irma Irish, Br. 004
Comrade Waltraud Tegge, Br. 001

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 1413 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 Stewart Merlin of Branch 001; *1963 † 2011. Stew joined the Royal Canadian Legion in 1986 where from the beginning, as a young man, was always ready and willing to help with any event or project the branch was involved with. Later he would become more focused on the Aims and Objectives of the Legion and eventually would be voted in as Second Vice President of the Branch a position he would hold until he was forced to give it up because of illness. Stew was also supportive of Zone and would travel to ceremonies as a member of the Colour Party as his work schedule would permit. His dedication to the Legion was again demonstrated last November when the president was in Canada and although Stew was battling cancer stepped forward volunteered and conducted a very successful Remembrance Day Ceremony for the Branch. Unfortunately he lost his battle with cancer and passed away on 14 March 2011. He will be missed by his Branch and remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him… "We will remember him".

Comrade Geoffery Sanger Branch 001; *1945 † 2011. Geoff was a very proud and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion who joined Branch 001 in June of 1997. In 2004 he was elected as Branch Treasurer a position he held until the recent 2011 elections where he was voted in as the First Vice President of the Branch. Geoff also took an active roll in the many ceremonies the Legion conducted all over Europe as a member of the Colour Party. His easy going character and great sense of humor attributed to an instant acceptance as a valued comrade of the Legion. His sudden and untimely death was felt as a great loss by his Branch members and the many other comrades that had the pleasure of knowing him over the years here in Europe .... "We will remember him".

2. The Zone Secretary reviewed the minutes of the last Zone Meeting held at Branch 003 in Geilenkirchen on 12 March 2011. The Zone Commander made one observation to the report presented by Branch 005 "There was certain displeasure among the organizers due to the fact that neither the Canadian Ambassador nor Military Attaché was present". Although this statement is true it may also be misleading since I have been informed the Embassy was represented at the ceremony by Sgt. Jeff Johnson.

3. Adoption of the minutes

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

Motion Carried

4. The Zone Financial Statement covering the period form the last meeting 3 March 2011 to 19 July 2011 that is included in the information folder was reviewed. One observation was raised from the floor that Branch 004 has not made their contribution to the Ceremonial Fund since April 2011. The Zone Commander said he has been in contact with the president of Branch 004 regarding this issue. The president will look into this matter when the Branch recommences operations following their summer break in early September.

5. Adoption of the Financial Statement

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

Motion Carried

Old Business

6. 9 April Vimy Ridge Day Ceremony

Legion Members from Zone Europe provide a Colour Party and attended the Vimy Ridge Day Ceremony to commemorate this famous battle where Canadians done what others could not; Capture Vimy Ridge. One of course remembers the 3,600 Canadians that lost their lives in the actual battle for Vimy Ridge but the Vimy Memorial is also a tribute to the 11,285 Canadian soldiers killed in France whose final resting place is unknown and have their names inscribed on the monument.

More than 7,000 Canadian Soldiers are buried in cemeteries surrounding the Vimy Memorial. Prior to the Vimy Ceremony we had the opportunity to visit a nearby cemetery where in 2003 they found 2 soldiers near Avion France who died during WWI. In 2007 one of them was identified as 808723 Private Herbert Peterson of Berry Creek, Alberta and buried at La Chaudière Military Cemetery. The second soldier was identified in 2011 as being 183425 Private Thomas Lawless from Calgary, Alberta. He was finally laid to rest next to his comrade on 9 March 2011.

The ceremony at Vimy was held in the late afternoon under ideal conditions on a warm sunny day. The ceremony was well organized and participation was good. Our presence was acknowledged by the organizing committee and the many dignitaries present. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion by the Deputy Zone Commander Josh Gelinas. Following the ceremony a reception was held in Vimy where we had the opportunity to chat with Canadians most notably the Canadian Military Members that were in attendance from SHAPE and the Medical Detachment from Landstuhl.

7. 4-5 May Liberation of the Netherlands Ceremonies

On 4 May we provided a Legion Colour Party and took part in the Annual Ceremony in the Holten Canadian War Cemetery. The ceremony was well organized and the theme as in the past is a tribute to the Canadian Liberators by the youth of this area of the Netherlands. It is a very moving ceremony as local school children lay flowers on each individual grave. Our presence was acknowledged by the organizing committee and dignitaries present. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Following the ceremony we were invited to Branch 005 clubhouse in Lochem where we spent a pleasant afternoon with members of the Branch and were well looked after by our hosts Comrade Berry & Yvonne.

5 May which is Liberation Day in the Netherlands we attended and enjoyed the many displays and activities that form the festival that marks the surrender of the Germans to the Canadians in Wageningen officially ending the Second World War in the Netherlands. On display was many WWII vehicles and weapons in mint condition a section in full battledress in the heat of the day doing drill (reminded me of the good old days) and the PPCLI Re-Enactment Unit was camped out where I had lunch in their field kitchen. The parade through the city got underway at 1500 hours with bands, military groups and Legions participating. It was a wonderful parade with the Dutch population cheering the entire parade route it was all quite emotional and I can only add that for an event that was to be cancelled a few years ago it keeps getting bigger each year.

8. 1 July Beaumont-Hamel Memorial Service

We provided a Colour Party and attended the 95th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony of the Battle of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel. Our piper Diederik De Jaeger piped the Colour Party, Legion Members and dignitaries into position at the monument. The ceremony was very well organized with a large turnout under sunny skies. In particular there was a large delegation of Newfoundlanders including government officials, veterans, and legionnaires. To our delight our Dominion President Comrade Pat was also in attendance. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion and our Colour Party was acknowledged by the organizing committee and the many dignitaries present. Following the ceremony at the reception we had the opportunity to chat and have a few photo sessions.

At the reception the Dominion President took the time to address our members and in brief she acknowledged that they are very much aware and appreciate the Legion Work we do here in Europe. Her kind words were well received by everyone present.

9. Branch Canada Day Celebrations

This item will be covered in report by Branches later in the agenda

10. 21 July Branch 005 Nijmegen March Ceremony at Groesbeek

This item will be covered in report by Branches later in the agenda

New Business

11. 11-14 August Branch 002 Battlefield Tour of Normandy

The President of Branch 002 who is organizing the event gave a final summary of the proposed tour. The original itinerary was distributed at the last Zone Meeting and although one day was deleted as a cost saving measure it is still our aim to visit all the planned sites. Accommodation has been arranged at the ETAP HOTEL BAYEUX and the costs for the Hotel will be covered by Zone. All other costs will be the responsibility of the members attending.

12. 21 August Branch 003 Jahlay, Belgium Tigelot Memorial Service

This ceremony is in the final planning stage and from all indication the Branch will have a large turnout with a full Legion Colour Party. Many groups and local organizations have indicated they will attend.

13. 10-11 September Liberation of Belgium Ceremonies

The following is an overview of scheduled events we will attend. Saturday 10 Sep at approximately 0830 hours we will parade the Colours and attend the ceremony that commences the Operation Switchback March scheduled to be held in the town of Knesselare. At approximately 1030 hours we will do a wreath laying ceremony at the Moerbrugge Memorial. In the afternoon at 1400 hours we will do a wreath laying ceremony at the IJzendijke Memorial. Following this ceremony we can visit memorials to Canadian Units in the area as time permits.

Sunday 11 Sep we will depart the Barracks at 0730 hours have breakfast somewhere on route to Adegem. At approximately 0900 hours proceed to the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem where we will parade the Colours and attend the Liberation of Belgium Ceremony which pays tribute to the Canadian, Polish and British war dead that are laid to rest in this cemetery and in fact all war dead are remembered. Following the ceremony we will attend the reception at the community center in Adegem. Visit the Canadian Museum for lunch and return to the Barracks.

Branch Presidents are advised the deadline to submit names of members wishing to attend this ceremony will be set at not later than 19 August. Names will be accepted on a first come first serve bases.

Zones request for accommodations has been approved and confirmed at the Naval Barracks in Sint-Kruis, near Brugge.

Further details of these events will be updated as they become available.

14. 29 October Westkerke, Belgium Memorial Service

We will provide a colour party for this ceremony that will pay tribute to the victims of a 408 Squadron RCAF aircraft that was shot down on 9 Nov 1941 in that area. The crew members are buried in a local church cemetery. The pilot was a Canadian, Pilot Officer John Cayley Wilson age 27 from Aylmer West, Ontario, Canada. The other three crew members that also perished are the Navigator Sergeant, Douglas Victor Markall, age 21 from England, Radio Operator Sergeant Douglas Frederick William Norton also from England and the Observer Sergeant Evan Bertram Te Makahi Robertson age 29 from New Zealand.

The commanding officer of 408 Squadron will be present to represent the Squadron and family members from Canada are also expected to be present at the ceremony.

15. 5-6 November Remembrance Day Service Beaumont-Hamel & Vimy

Friday 04 Nov a Colour Party will depart for France to take part in the Annual Remembrance Day Ceremonies at Beaumont-Hamel on Saturday 05 Nov followed by the Vimy Ceremony on Sunday 06 Nov. Limited accommodations have been arranged at the Hotel Campanile in Arras.

Branch Presidents are advised the deadline for submitting names of members wishing to attend these ceremonies is set at 14 October. Names will be accepted on a first come first serve bases. Timings of the ceremonies and further details of the events to be announced as the information becomes available.

16. 11 Nov Branch Remembrance Day Service

11 Nov 2011 - Branch 001 will conduct their Branch Remembrance Day Ceremony at their Branch Memorial located in the Canadian Section of the Söllingen Cemetery. For more information contact an executive member of the Branch.

11 Nov 2011 - Branch 002 will conduct their Branch Remembrance Day Ceremony at their Branch Memorial located in the Canadian Section of the Bergfriedhof in Lahr. For more information contact an executive member of the Branch.

06 Nov 2011 - Branch 003 will conduct their Branch Remembrance Day Ceremony in support of the Military Members in Geilenkirchen at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, The Netherlands. For more information contact an executive member of the Branch.

11 Nov 2011 - Branch 004 will conduct their Branch Remembrance Day Ceremony in the Canadian Section of the Werl Cemetery. For more information contact an executive member of the Branch. Members of Branch 004 that do not go to Werl are cordially invited to attend the ceremony at the Canadian Section of the Bergfriedhof in Lahr.

13 Nov 2011 - Branch 005 will conduct their Branch Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Canadian National Memorial "Man With Two Hats" in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands. For more information contact an executive member of the Branch.

17. 20 Nov Branch 001 Choloy, France Remembrance Service

Sunday 20 Nov Branch 001 will host a Remembrance Ceremony at Choloy, France, commemorating the 332 Canadians buried there. Members of other Branches are also welcome and encouraged to attend. Members will meet at the Cemetery in Choloy at 1430 hours. The Colours will be parades to the Cross of Remembrance where the ceremony will take place. Following the ceremony members will have the opportunity to visit grave of lost friends. Branch 001 is requested to send information confirming the ceremony to Branch 002 & 004 for members that wish to attend.

18. Correspondence

A. 25 March a letter was received from the Dominion President which expressed her heartfelt thanks for the donation made by Zone Europe to the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL). A copy or this letter was forwarded to all Branches after receiving it in March.

B. Received two membership certificated from Dominion Command Membership Committee issued to Branches in recognition of their hard work and the many hours that are dedicated in recruiting new members.

Certificates were presented to Branch 001 and Branch 003 by the Zone Commander who also added his congratulations.

C. Received a letter from Comrade Howard Miller and Gerard Visser expressing their concerns regarding the future of the Poppy Campaign in their area of the Netherlands that they have established over the past few years. Since their effort has raised a considerable amount of money it would be a shame to loose what they have achieved. The problem is that both Howard and Gerard are aging and have health issues and following this year's campaign will no longer be able to personally conduct this event and require Branch 005 to take over this campaign.

The Zone Commander has discussed this problem with the executive of Branch 005 in the past and has been advised that there is a plan in place to take over this campaign. Unfortunately neither the Zone Commander nor more importantly Comrade Miller and Comrade Visser have any details of the plan. The Zone Commander requested an update and details of this plan.

The president of Branch 005 acknowledged the importance of the poppy campaign and said initial contact had been made with Comrade Miller and Comrade Visser on resolving the issues raised by them for the future of the campaign. Comrade Danny Murphy has been recently appointed Poppy Campaign Chairman and two comrades who live in that area of the Netherlands are keen on continuing the campaign and are willing to provide assistance and support in any way possible. The president said the basic problem is simply geographical in that they do not have many members from that area however every effort is being made to establish a permanent solution and with the present initiatives he is confident this will be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

The Zone Commander thanked Comrade Mark for his update and is relieved that everything possible is being done and with patients on everyone's part the situation will be resolved in due time.

19. Report by Branches

Branch 001: The President Frank Shea commenced by welcoming all present on behalf of the members of Branch 001 and said a lot has happened since our last meeting in Geilenkirchen extending the grief felt by the members and executive of the branch following the death of two key members Stew Merlin and Jeoff Sanger. Although the Zone Commander and the Branch were notified some time ago he made the announcement that he will be returning to Canada at the end of August. The decision to return to Canada was not easy and with the utmost sorrow he leaves behind friendships that have developed over many years. My short term as president was extremely rewarding and the support from my fellow comrades was outstanding and his appreciation was also extended to the zone executive. Although leaving he is not giving up his responsibilities to the branch and to the newly appointed successor Comrade Terry O'Connor has and will continue until the day he gets on the plane to give a proper and thorough hand over of the Branch.

The Branch is still holding regular bingo's once a month on Friday's members from Lahr have been invited to join us but so far no one has shown up. A video presentation of the Vimy Ceremony was presented and was well received. The Branch actually had two Canada Day celebrations this year on 30 June they were invited to join the Canadians stationed in Heidelberg and were treated to a wonderful day Col Mark Hodgson, CWO Mark Saulnier and there members went all out to make it a memorial event. Throughout the day several sporting events took place followed by a great buffet dinner. The Branch presented a plaque in appreciation of the support and camaraderie between them over the years. A note of interest the Allied Forces Land Headquarters in Heidelberg will be disbanded 2012/2013 and the American Base will be moved to Wiesbaden 2014. Saturday 2 July the Branch held a Canada Day celebration with country music, games, BBQ, video presentation from places all across Canada that went over very well with the German guests. Many thanks was extended to all for the hard work in making it a successful day.

Branch 002: The President Alphonse Deguire said the Branch had a general meeting 20 March where we discussed support to zone ceremonies, membership dues and other items regarding the Branch. The Branch still holds regular bingo's once a month on Sundays members from Baden have been invited to join us but so far no one has shown up. The Branch provided members to Zone for 9 Apr Vimy Ridge Day Ceremony, May for the Liberation of the Netherlands Ceremonies, 1 Jul at Beaumont-Hamel. 11-14 Aug organize and conduct a Battle Field Tour to Normandy. Branch members will attend the Liberation of Belgium Ceremony in September and the Vimy and Beaumont-Hamel Remembrance Day Ceremonies in November. We will hold our Branch Remembrance Day Service on 11 November at the Bergfriedhof in Lahr and as the Zone Commander previously mentioned members of Branch 004 that do not go to Werl are more that welcome to join us and it would be great to see more members in Legion dress attend.

Branch 003: The President Brian Almon said he is pleased with Branch operations with the membership presently around 120 members with a planned function in the near future in an attempt to attract more new members. Plans for the upcoming poppy campaign are well underway with the enthusiasm of the new poppy committee. A renovation project to replace windows at the Branch has begun and hopefully it will lower our heating costs for the future. Wing nights still appear to be our most popular event and fund raiser but other events are being planned for the future that hopefully will attract others. A general meeting will be scheduled soon with a focus on letting the members know they have a say on what goes on in their Branch. The Branch has a couple of charity donations that will be presented soon €1000.00 to the Fisher House and €500.00 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Planning for the Remembrance Ceremonies has commenced.

Branch 004: The First Vice President Harry Irish reported the Branch at this time is on summer break although the executive that are not away meet on a regular basis. The Branch will resume full operations with a general meeting on 10 September. Membership is steady at approximately 44 Members. On 23 April the Branch held a Chilli Night that went over very nice with the members. A Canada Day Celebration was held on 26 June and although it was a very hot day the turn out was good and all enjoyed the day.

Branch 005: The President Mark Hoedeman conveyed that the last few months have been challenging with a complete new executive, including himself as president, but he is completely satisfied with each one of them for there support, there enthusiasm to revitalize the Branch and move forward in a positive way as a Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Comrade Mark also extended his thanks and appreciation to the Zone Executive for their understanding and support regarding their financial situation and there inability to meet their oblation of the monthly contribution to the Zone Ceremonial Fund. Good things do happen occasionally as Branch 005 was awarded a substantial donation from a lady who after witnessing Remembrance Ceremonies conducted by the Branch was impressed with the colour party and what the Legion does in remembering their liberators. The donation of four thousand euros will allow the Branch to settle the debt with Zone and he will be in negotiation with the Zone Commander on this matter in the very near future. The president then turned the meeting over to his Sgt-at-Arms who commented on the ceremony in Holten and the Wageningen Parade and thanked all members that participated and the full cooperation from members of the colour party it was a wonderful couple of days. Recently they provided a colour party at the Canadian War Cemetery at Groesbeek in support of the Canadian Military Members that participated in the Nijmegen March the cooperation and assistance provided from the military contingent was outstanding and the ceremony went very well. On 2 September there will be the grand opening of an information center at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten the Branch have been asked to participate in this event not sure what the role will be but most likely will provide a colour party. In closing Comrade Philip said that in the future Dutch members will try and take part in some of the zone events in other countries. The president then asked his vice to speak on some coming events. Comrade Gerard informed us that the Dutch Defence Minister recently announced support for the Wageningen Parade until 2015 using basically the same format as in previous years. The Dutch Organization "Thank You Canada and Allied Forces" that since shortly after the war looked after all activities involving visiting veterans such as travel, accommodations etc. will be ceasing operations and the Branch has been asked to take over part of their legacy for the future and they will keep us informed of developments.

20 Open Discussion

Comrade Val Laucke informed us that she and Comrade Liz Hine attended a Welfare Course conducted by the Royal British Legion. The course was interesting and the RBL covered the costs for their participation. Some members of Branch 003 will join the Royal British Legion for a Remembrance Day Ceremony on 11 November at the Reichenwald War Cemetery and advised that any Dutch members in this area are more than welcome to join them.

The Zone Commander would like to thank all members assembled for their cooperation and orderly active discussion during debate. It was a pleasure to chair your meeting.

Initiation Ceremony

The Zone Commander initiated the newly appointed President of Branch 001 Comrade Terry O'Connor to his post. The president received congratulations and a warm welcome by everyone present.

21. Meeting Adjournment

There being no further business to discuss a motion was made by Comrade Val Laucke and seconded by Comrade Brian Almon that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 1643 hours.

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 005 in Lochem, the Netherlands on Saturday 17 March 2012 at 1400 hours.




Frank Becker
Zone Europe Secretary


Reg Bonnar
Zone Commander, Europe
Approved / Not Approved




Annex A to the
Minutes of the Zone Meeting
Held on 30 July 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
" Bank Account Information and Procedure to Follow when Making Direct Deposit
" General Information on the Poppy