Royal Canadian Legion

MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING HELD AT BRANCH 005
IN THE NETHERLANDS ON SATURDAY 08 MAY 2010

In Attendance:

Zone

Zone Commander, Reg Bonnar
Zone Service Officer, Valerie Laucke

Branch 001

Membership Chairman, Cam Audet

Branch 002

President, Alphonse Deguire
Past President, Bill Fairley
1st Vice President, Ken Gardiner
Sgt-at-Arms, Guy O'Quinn

Branch 003

President, Brian Almon
Poppy Chairman, Brent Burden

Branch 004 Not Represented

Branch 005

President, Peter Spierenburg
Secretary, Tineke Lamberts
Sgt-at-Arms, Hendrik Kuiper

Observer Members in Attendance:

Comrade Liz Hine
Comrade Gertrud Audet
Comrade Lucien Perraut
Comrade Patrick Schuetze
Comrade Wayne Johnston
Comrade Dan Murphy
Comrade Ben Zonnenberg
Comrade Gerard Visser
Comrade Hubert Gaenswein
Comrade Hans Von Jutrzenka

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 1400 hours by welcoming all in attendance.

The Zone Commander said before we commence the business of the meeting that brought us together we will take a moment to remember Comrade Paul "Aully" Aulenback who passed away on Friday 16 April 2010. Aully was a founding member of Branch 002 and continued to be a very active Legionnaire attending many Remembrance Ceremonies all over Europe as a member of the Colour Party until his return to Canada in 1997. His life was very well summed up by the Past President of Branch 003, Dan Saulnier "What a shame, the world is a lot less funny today, I remember a lot of fun over the years at various parades. He left a big happy footprint in this life and I'm sure he will in the next".

2. The Zone Commander reviewed the minutes of the last Zone Meeting held at Branch 003 in Geilenkirchen on 25 July 2009.

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 Bill Fairley and seconded by Ken Gardiner

Motion Carried

4. The Zone Financial Statement 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 Cam Audet and seconded by Comrade Valerie Laucke.

Motion Carried

Old Business

6. 12-13 Sep Liberation of Belgium Ceremonies

On Saturday we paraded our Colours for the commencement of the "Operation Switchback March" which included a ceremony and wreath laying at a memorial in Odelem. Present also was a Canadian Military Contingent from SHAPE and it was nice to have the opportunity to chat with them. Later that day we did a ceremony at the Moerbrugge/Oostkamp monument in a tribute to the Canadians who lost their lives during the first fighting in Belgium.

Sunday we provided a Colour Party and participated in the Liberation of Belgium Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. The ceremony was as in the past very well done with a band, choir and our own piper, Comrade Diederik De Jaeger. There was a large crowd in attendance and the participation of the youth was impressive and reassuring that remembrance in Belgium will continue well into the future.

The organizing committees for all the events expressed their appreciation for our attendance and in particular for providing the Legion Colour Party.

7. 20 Oct IJzendijke Ceremony

This ceremony honours the victims of an accidental explosion that took place on this date in 1944. The explosion caused the death of forty-one British and Canadian soldiers and caused injury to another fifty-one some of which would be fatal. The majority of the soldiers present on that fateful day were from 204 Armoured Assault Squadron, Royal Engineers and ten soldiers of the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps of the 7th Infantry Brigade. The ceremony is done in two parts, in the morning at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem and in the afternoon at the site where a memorial has been erected near a farm in IJzendijke just over the border in the Netherlands. We provided a colour party and participated in both ceremonies along with our piper. Although the ranks of the veteran survivors of this explosion are thinning it is always a pleasure to spend the day with these heroes.

8. 01-05 October Dominion Command Visit to Zone Europe

It was an honour to have the Dominion President, the Dominion Secretary and their spouses visit our branches and meet with members of Zone Europe. Throughout the course if the visit both the President and the Secretary gave positive and inspiring speeches on the direction of the Royal Canadian Legion for the future and stressed the importance of communications and working together to enhance the Legion cause.

The Zone Commander said he was disappointed with the participation of the Legion members at these functions since it was "you the members" they came to visit and there could have been a better turnout with a little effort. As the Dominion President said so gracefully "those members who wanted to be there was there and that is all you can ask". The exchange of ideas and the general conversation between our visitors and the members would indicate a successful visit and hopefully they enjoyed their time with us.

9. Royal British Legion 450 Ceremony

Due to organizational difficulties encountered by the Royal British Legion and last minute change of date we were unable to attend this ceremony as a Zone contingent, however, the Royal Canadian Legion was represented by members of Branch 005.

10. 07-08 Nov Annual Remembrance Day Ceremonies at Beaumont-Hamel and Vimy.

Zone Europe members and a Legion Colour Party attended these two ceremonies. Both were very well organized and the committee expressed their gratitude for our attendance. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion.

11. Branch Remembrance Day Ceremonies 11 Nov

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

12. 22 Nov Branch 001 Remembrance Ceremony at Choloy, France.

The Zone Commander expressed his personal thanks to Comrade Can Audet, Branch 001 for his last minute scrambling to organize members that attended this ceremony in Choloy. He also emphasized the importance of organizing these events well in advance for the future.

13. 09 April 2010 Vimy Ridge Day Ceremony

This was a very moving sunset ceremony that marked the end of an era since Canada's last known World War I Veteran died recently. We were pleased to have our piper parade our members and Colour Party onto location. The ceremony was well attended and the organizing committee expressed their thanks for our attendance. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion.

New Business

14. 2-10 May Liberation of the Netherlands Ceremonies

Details of these events will be included in the minutes of the next meeting. The agenda of our participation during our visit to the Netherlands are as follows:

Sun 2 May

Travel to the Netherlands

Mon 3 May

1400 hours Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek.

Tue 4 May

1100 hours Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten.
1500 hours Ceremony to the unveiling of a plaque to 5th Canadian Armoured Division in Otterlo.
1900 hours participate in the silent march (Dutch Remembrance Day Ceremony) in Apeldoorn.

Wed 5 May

1500 hours participate in the Liberation Parade in Wageningen

Thu 6 May

1100 hours Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Bergen-Op-Zoom

Fri 7 May

1400 hours visit the Palace 't Loo, Museum in Apeldoorn. This is one of the most beautiful Palaces in the Netherlands and in 1945 and 1946 became the Headquarters of the Canadian Army.

Sat 8 May

1400 hours a Zone Meeting took take place at Branch 005 in Lochem.

Sun 9 May

Participate in the ceremonies honouring our Canadian Veterans in Apeldoorn

Mon 10 May

Members return home

15. 2 May Branch 003 Hotten/Bure, Belgium Ceremony

This ceremony pays tribute to the British 30th Corps and their struggle during the Battle of the Ardennes and to the all Canadian Air Crew of a Hudson Aircraft T9445 of 161 Squadron that crashed in this area on 20 March 1945. Members of Branch 003 attended this ceremony with a Colour Party and lad a wreath on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion

16. 30 May Branch 004 Werl Ceremony

Branch 004 will organize a Remembrance Ceremony in Werl, Germany that marks the 40th Anniversary of the departure of the Canadians from this area. The ceremony pays tribute to the 448 Canadian burials, 124 military and 324 family members. It is the largest concentration of post war graves in Europe For more information on the ceremony contact an executive member of Branch 004.

17. 13-16 June Dominion Convention in Winnipeg

The Zone Commander thanked the Branches for getting the Branch Credential Certificates returned to him in a timely manner. A report on the convention will be presented at the next Zone meeting.

18. 01 July the Annual Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Service

The Zone Commander said he doesn't have the details of this ceremony at the present time. We have been invited to attend and provide a Colour Party. More information regarding timings will be announced. Limited accommodations have been arranged at the Hotel Campanile in Lens. Legion members wishing to attend this ceremony are to submit their names not later than Monday 31 May 2010. Names will be accepted on a first come first serve basis.

19. 01 July Branch Canada Day Activities

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

20 17 July Branch 005 Groesbeek Ceremony in support of the Canadian Forces that participate in the Nijmegen March

The Zone Commander requested an update on any information Branch 005 can provide. The President said he is presently attempting to get access to the cemetery for the Colour Party without much success from the organizing committee or anyone who will listen; however, they will be there for this important ceremony.

21. 29 Aug Branch 003 Ceremony at the De La Haye Memorial in Belgium

This annual ceremony hosted by Branch 003 is to honour the six Canadian and one British Airmen, the crew of a Halifax Bomber that crashed on 2nd November 1944 the town's people was able to remove the bodies from the wreckage and hide them before the Germans arrived. Later they were able to give the airmen a proper burial. For further information on this ceremony contact a member of the Branch Executive.

22. Membership

The Zone Commander said from what he sees in the overall picture the European Branches are holding their own. He is sure the Branches are doing their best to try and get new members. Keep in mind if you want to keep your members it is necessary to communicate with them and treat them fairly and with respect.

23. Remembrance Day Ceremonies

The Zone Commander is pleased that all Branches are active each year in conducting their own Remembrance Day Ceremonies for members and the public that wishes to attend. Branch 005 hold their ceremony at the Canadian National Memorial in Apeldoorn with a good turn out each year. Branch 003 holds their ceremony in support of the Canadian Military posted in the area of Gielenkirchen at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek, the Netherlands usually on the Sunday prior to 11 November and on 11 November take part in a ceremony with the Royal British Legion in near by Rheindeahlen.

There seems to be a problem in Lahr and Baden. The Zone Commander said it is not his intention to direct the Branches in how to conduct their business, however, when members voice their dissatisfaction and disappointment concerning such an important event he feels compelled to offer what he considers a clear solution to the problem.

The problem at Branch in Baden

Following the closure of CFB Baden in 1993 the Branch established a Branch Memorial in the Canadian Section of the Cemetery in Söllingen where for many years the Branch held their Remembrance Day Ceremony. However, in the past few years the Branch has been attempting to hold two ceremonies at the same time the second being at the memorial to the military members located in the nearby village of Hügelsheim. Apparently this arrangement was an attempted to please military personnel from Heidelberg and Ramstein who join Branch 001 members on Remembrance Day. This arrangement is not working causing confusion and unrest with your Legion Members.

The Solution

Have one Remembrance Day Service at the Branch Memorial in Söllingen. Inform the military contingents that attend of this information well in advance. Following the Remembrance Day Service if appropriate a wreath laying ceremony could be arranged at the memorial in Hügelsheim. Finally keep in mind that these events just don't happen they have to be planned. It is impossible to arrive at the Legion on the morning of 11 November and expect to have a successful service.

The Problem in Lahr

The two Branches in Lahr are at present holding two separate ceremonies one in Lahr and one in Kippenheim. The Kippenheim ceremony at one time might have had merit when Branch 004 was based in that village; however, at the present time Branch 004 is located in Lahr and should participate with Branch 002 in the Canadian Section of the Lahr Cemetery where we have soldiers buried along with Canadian military family members.

In the past couple of years the ceremony in the Canadian Section of the Lahr Cemetery has expanded to include a band, the mayor or his representative, and members of the local public. What is lacking is more Legion Members. This could be improved with the combined participation of both branches at this ceremony. Both Branches would have the opportunity to parade their Colours and several options for organizing the event are possible which will be left to the Branches to decide.

The Solution

Organize one Remembrance Day Ceremony in the Canadian Section of the Lahr Cemetery. Following the Remembrance Day Service if Branch 004 thinks it appropriate a wreath could be laid in Kippenheim.

The Zone Commander said he hopes Baden and Lahr will consider the suggestions and take the appropriate action.

24. Correspondence

Correspondence of interest is included in the handout

25. Report by Branches

Branch 001; In the absence of the President Kevin Grainger the membership chairman Cam Audet reported the Branch has been in a downward spin for quite sometime now to the point where as the membership chairman he feels guilty collecting membership dues because the Branch is offering the members nothing. Continuing he said he has been given no report from the President and is in attendance on his own accord. It would appear that general meetings and executive meetings are a thing of the past since they have to be organized and it seems that nobody is interested or available to do this. The Zone Commander said he does not have a quick fix answer to this dilemma but would surmise it is a leadership problem and asked Comrade Cam to contact the Executive Members of the Branch and arrange a meeting to which he will attend in an attempt to work out a plan for the future.

Branch 002; The newly elected President Alphonse Deguire said he had a good turnout of members for the Vimy Ridge Day Ceremony in France as well as the ceremonies here in the Netherlands. Next on his agenda will be to support Branch 004 in their Canada Day activities and the Beaumont-Hamel ceremony on 1 July. Bingo is still going on a once a month basis but if they can get more support from members will try twice a month. Around the end of July he plans to organize a BBQ and a Country & Western night at the clubhouse details to be announced. Finally by end of July he needs the names of members that will attend the next Zone Meeting to be held at Branch 002 in August so he can arrange meals etc.

Branch 003; The newly elected President Brian Almon said he is pleased with the way things are going at the Branch and is looking forward to working with the executive which include also new members. He attended the ceremony at Hotten/Brue in Belgium and was impressed with the ceremony. Renovations are ongoing at the Branch but in spite of this events are running smoothly. The Branch has just initiated thirteen new members and he is looking forward to working with the executive for the members and a successful term of office.

Branch 004; The Branch was not represented at this meeting.

Branch 005; The President Peter Spierenburg expressed his gratitude to his executive for their dedication and good work while he recovered from a recent illness. It was business as usual and he gave compliments to his 1st Vice Mark Hoedeman and a special word of thanks to the Sgt-at-Arms Hendrik Kuiper. On 1 Nov the Branch provided a Colour Party in support of the Black Watch members from Canada who paid tribute to their fallen comrades at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten. It has been a busy time on the lead up to the 65th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands and the attendance at the many events that took place this week. He expressed his thanks also for the participation and support of the other European Branch Members present at these ceremonies. For the future the Branch is looking at the possibility of rekindling the Poppy Campaign in the Apeldoorn area, attracting new members from organizations like Welcome Again Veterans, Thank You Canada etc that will be fading into history. The Branch had a successful New Years Reception and as a result will plan several yearly socials for the members.

26. Open Discussion

The Zone Commander asked Comrade Danny Murphy, former Chairman of the Nijmegen/Arnhem Branch of the Royal British Legion to give an update on the changes that recently occurred in the Dutch Branches of the RBL. Comrade Danny commenced by giving a very interesting overview of the Royal British Legion in the Netherlands from the formation in the late 1920's to present day when the membership in the four established Branches dwindled to the point where it was no longer possible to continue. A meeting was held in Utrecht on 16 April 2010 where it was decided to form one Branch with the remaining approximately 200 members. The Branch will be called "The Holland Branch" of the Royal British Legion. Comrade Danny also said due to the time factor and the necessity to get the Branch organized there will be no 450 ceremony this year. The Zone Commander thanked Danny for his presentation, wished them success and is looking forward to establishing contact with the new executive and working with them in the future.

Comrade Brent Burden the Zone Europe Poppy Chairman presented his report which was extraordinary considering the circumstances here in Europe. Comrade Brent thanked all who participated in any way to the poppy collection. He personally thanked Comrade Howard Miller and his team of volunteers in the West of the Netherlands whose amazing contribution more than doubled the amount collected during last years Poppy Campaign. He also gave special thanks to Comrade Steve Douglas in Ypres, Belgium for his efforts and substantial contribution. In summary $5,355.00 was sent to the Dominion Command Central Poppy Fund and Comrade Brent presented the Zone Commander with $7,980.00 to be donated to the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Servicemen League at the Dominion Convention.

The Zone Commander thanked Comrade Brent for the tremendous job he done with the Poppy Campaign and extended his appreciation to all that contributed in making it a great success. He said the RCEL drive at the Dominion Convention is a major event and until this year he had to sit on the sidelines for this most worthy cause. He said it will give him great pleasure to make the donation on behalf of Zone Europe and I thank you for this opportunity.

Comrade Ben Zonnenberg presented the Zone Commander with eight volumes on DVD that he prepared telling the history of the Royal Canadian Legion in Europe. The Zone Commander said he viewed a few of the volumes during a visit to Ben's home and they are very well done with pictures, music, commentary. He will attempt to find a way to show these video's at the next Zone Meeting.

The Zone Commander was honoured on behalf of Branch 003 to present two certificates of appreciation. The certificates were presented to Comrade Brent Burden and Howard Miller for their outstanding work during the Poppy Campaign. The award for Comrade Howard Miller, who was absent, was accepted on his behalf by Comrade Gerard Visser who is also a prominent member of the team in the Netherlands.

27. Meeting Adjournment

There being no further business to discuss a motion was made by Comrade Alphonse Deguire and seconded by Comrade Ken Gardiner that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 1610 hours.

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 002 in Lahr on Saturday 21 August 2010 at 1400 hours.

Annex A to the
Minutes of the Zone Meeting
Held on 08 May 2010

Contents of the Folder,

" Itinerary for the Zone Meeting
" Minutes of last Zone Meeting held at Branch 003 on 25 July 2009
" Financial Statement covering period 22 July 2009 to 26 April 2010
" Correspondence
" Branch contribution to the Ceremonial Fund