MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING

HELD AT BRANCH 005, IN APELDOORN ON

SATURDAY 08 OCTOBER 2005

 

In Attendance:

 

Zone                                      Zone Commander                                          Reg Bonnar

                                             Deputy Zone Commander                              Gerard Lemay

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Jocelyn Gelinas

                                             Acting Secretary                                            Gertrud Audet

 

Branch 001                            President                                                       Harry Irish

                                             1st Vice President                                          Matthew Guyea

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Kevin Grainger

                                             Treasurer                                                      Geoff Sanger

                                             Membership                                                  Cam Audet

 

Branch 002                            1st Vice President                                          Bill Fairly

 

Branch 003                            President                                                       Frank Mahr

                                            

Branch 004                            President                                                       Lasca Monrose               

                                             Service Officer                                              Gaetan Bienvene

 

Branch 005                            President                                                       Ben Zonnnberg

                                             1st Vice President                                          Marga Timmerman

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Jan Van Loo

                                             Secretary                                                      Bob Veenstra

                                             Treasurer                                                      Piet Polderdijk

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Hendrik Kuiper

                                             Immediate Past President                               Mark Hoedeman

 

 

Observer Members in Attendance:

 

Branch 001                            Member                                                        Heinz Binesser

                                             Member                                                        Irma Irish

                                             Member                                                        Theresia Lemay

 

Branch 003                            Member                                                        Valerie Corbeil

                                            

Branch 005                            Member                                                        Peter Bongers

                                             Member                                                        Andreas Liefrink

 

 

Item                                                               Description

 

1.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. The Zone Commander opened the meeting at 1400 hours by welcoming all in attendance. Before we commence the business of this meeting let us take a few moments to reflect on the life of Comrade Wolfgang Laucke. Unfortunately a lot of us lived to far away to enjoy his friendship on a regular basis. Personally I felt very honoured to be in his presence every time we met whether it was in his home or at the Legion. Notably it was difficult to discuss Legion with him as he would say "that is not my department" or "I have nothing to do with the Legion that is her department", referring of course to his wife Val who has been on the executive of the branch since the beginning and Branch President several times over the years. His references were respected but didn't fool too many people as you could always see him in the background making sure things were in order and the support he gave to his wife in her endeavours was quite remarkable. His untimely death will be mourned by his family but his life will be remembered by all who knew him. "We will remember him".

 

Next the Zone Commander introduced the newly appointed President of Branch 004 Lasca Munrose following the resignation of the former President Rorie Tryhorn.

 

Continuing his opening remarks the Zone Commander gave a report on the condition of the two remaining War Veterans in the Lahr area:

 

George MacMullen; Following the stroke reported at the last Zone meeting George has once again beat the odds and is back in the care facility in Lahr. The Zone Commander is pleased that his family from Canada have finally made contact so he is able to keep them up to date on George's condition.

 

Thomas J Andrews; Andy has been experiencing some difficulties with his digestive system lately. He gets extremely bored but he enjoys visitors so if you live close enough I would encourage you to make an effort to drop by once in awhile just to say hello. Not much to report on his progress to recovery.

 

2.       The minutes of the last Zone Meeting was read. There being no observation of errors or omissions the minutes were adopted as presented. Adopted by Comrade Bill Fairley and seconded by Comrade Mark Hogdeman.

Motion Carried

 

3.   The financial statement was presented and there being no questions the financial statement was adopted as presented by Comrade Cam Audet and seconded by Comrade Geatan Bienvenu.

 

Motion Carried

 

Old Business

 

REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY WERL, GERMANY

 

4.  Zone on behalf of all members in attendance at that ceremony would like to thank the members of Branch 004 for the excellent job they did in organizing this event and in particular to Comrade Geatan Bienvenue for the fine job of emceeing the ceremony. It was also a good turn out of Legionnaires approximately 40 members with all branches being represented which reinforces our dedication to remembrance. In addition there was a good turn out of local citizens including a surprising number of Canadians who have settled in the area.

 

   The Zone commander was also pleased that he was requested to present the Mayor of Werl with a Canadian flag that will find a place of honour in his town hall. At the reception the Zone Commander was again honoured assisted by the Deputy Zone Commander Girard Lemay and the Past President of Branch 003 Val Laucke to initiate two of our Legion members in the Werl area, Comrade Bob Porteous and Jean Louis Tougas.

 

  It was also great to have the opportunity to chat with our fellow Canadians from the north. Comrade Bienvenue also added his appreciation for the cooperation and assistance he received from the other Branches and thanked all those who attended.

 

 

 

28 AUGUST BRANCH 003 CEREMONY DE JAHLAY, MEMORIAL IN BELGIUM

 

5.  This ceremony is dedicated to honour the six Canadian and one British Airmen, the crew of a Halifax Bomber. On 2 November 1944 the plane crashed in a field near the farm of Mr. Albert Adans. The town's people were 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. The attendance of members which included a Colour Party was well received at this ceremony. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion and a reception was held following the ceremony.

 

LIBERATION OF BELGIUM CEREMONY

 

6.  Zone would like to extend a special thanks to Iris & Daniel Van Landschoot for their contribution to the success of the weekend. They arranged accommodations at the Navel Barracks in Brugge, places for us to eat and escorted our members to the different locations for our ceremonies making sure we were at the right place at the right time. Thanks also to the Belgium Members who formed the basis of our Colour Party.

 

  Saturday 10 September at approximately 0900 hours we paraded our Colours for the official opening of the Operation Switchback March. Following the ribbon cutting and the beginning of the march our Colours led a procession to the local war memorial in the village of Watervliet where a ceremony took place. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Legion by the Deputy Zone Commander Girard Lemay and the President of Branch 001 Harry Irish. Following this ceremony coffee was served in the local school gymnasium.

 

  1100 hours we paraded our Colours at a Bridge located on the Leopold Canal near Watervliet along with the Canadian Military Contingent from SHAPE taking part in the march as a local historian gave a detailed account of what took place there in 1944.

 

 1300 hours we paraded our Colours at the Tank Monument by a bridge over the Shipdonkcanal at Balgerhoeke (District of Eeklo) where a remembrance ceremony took place including a wreath laying on behalf of war dead.

 

 1500 hours we did a ceremony at the Moerbrugge Memorial on the Gent-Brugge Canal where the first heavy resistance was encountered in Belgium in September 1944. A wreath was laid on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion. A reception was held in a café in the village following the ceremony.

 

1800 hours we went to the Canadian War Museum in Adegem for the finish of the Operation Switchback March.

 

7.  Sunday 11 September we provided a Colour Party and attended the first combined Canadian/Polish Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. Previously the Polish held their annual ceremony in November. The ceremony was very well done. We laid a wreath on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion that was soon devoured as the never ending parade of flowers ringed the Cross of Remembrance. The highlight of the ceremony had to be the participation of the youth. As we led the procession from the cemetery a plane flew over dropping thousands of poppies over the silent graves which ended the ceremony. A reception took place at the community hall in Adegem where we had the pleasure of meeting many old friends and the opportunity of making new ones.

 

New Business

 

09 OCTOBER 2005 THE ANNUAL ROYAL BRITISH LEGION 450 CEREMONY

 

8. The Zone Commanders decision was that if the Royal Canadian Legion parades with a Colour Party at events organized by the Royal British Legion we would do so carrying all of our flags and banners or we will not parade our Colours. In negotiation with Bob Lacey, parade marshal for the 450 and who has recently been appointed District Chairman, District of Germany agreed and will clear the protocol with the RBL.

 

9. On Sunday 09 October the Royal British Legion will conduct their Annual 450 Ceremony in the town of Budel-Dorplein which is located just south of Eindhoven. The event will commence with a Meet & Greet at 1300 hours at the Gemeenschapscentrum "de Schakel" located at Sint Barbaraweg 1 were coffee will be served prior to the service. The service will commence at 1400 hours at the Parachie St. Jozef, Hoofdstraat 201 in Budel-Dorplein.

 

20 OCTOBER 2005 IJZENDIJKE, THE NETHERLANDS CEREMONY

 

10. The Zone Commander and the Deputy Zone Commander will travel to Belgium and our Belgium members will form the Colour Party. Final details of this event are still not complete.

 

05 - 06 NOVEMBER 2005 BEAUMONT-HAMEL AND VIMY CEREMONIES

 

11. The Beaumont-Hamel Ceremony will take place on Saturday 05 November at 1100 hours. The Vimy Ceremony will take place on Sunday 06 November at 1100 hours. As the memorial at Vimy is still under restoration, the ceremony will be held in the Canadian Cemetery, just up from tunnel area.

 

  The Zone Commander request information from the Branches of members wishing to attend these ceremonies not later than 14 October 2005 . Members from the Lahr/Baden area will have to arrive in Arras on Friday 04 November and depart for home Monday 07 November. In the past members from other Branches have arrived on Saturday and met us at Beaumont-Hamel and left for home following the ceremony at Vimy on Sunday. So it is important to be specific regarding accommodation requirements.

 

   Accommodations will be arranged at the Hotel Campagnile in Arras

 

BRANCH REMEMBRANCE CEREMONIES AND ACTIVITIES

 

12.  This item will be discussed under report by Branches.

 

DOMINION COMMAND SUPPLY SERVICES

 

13. The Zone Commander received a phone call from the Peter Underhill, Director of the Supply Department at Dominion Command in regards to service problems to Branches in Europe. Not being fully aware of the specifics he directed the enquiry to Branch 005 who raised the complaint. It appears following some discussion that most of the problem had to do with delivery costs rather than a problem with the Supply system itself. To overcome expenses Branch 003 offered the other European Branches the use of their mailing system provided they are informed by the Branch ordering so merchandise and billing can be directed to the proper Branch. The Zone Commander added that maybe we can be more helpful for a solution in the future by pin pointing any problems that exist.

 

BRANCH AND ZONE ELECTIONS 2006

 

14. The Zone Commander reminded the Branches of the upcoming elections that will take place early in the New Year. It is not possible just to call a general meeting and proceed with elections. To have a successful election a lot of planning and preparation must take place so now might be the time to start. It is a good idea to announce the elections at a general meeting prior to elections and go over the election procedures with your members it will help any last minute adjustments that may have been overlooked.

 

  Post the list of candidates well in advance and there is no harm in reminding your members to vote for the candidate who you believe will do the best job in the position not because the person is your friend or lives next door or is a nice person.

 

  Once elected the "nice person" you once were usually fades very quickly and will become only a memory of your past.

 

MEMBERSHIP AND PRO CAPITA TAX 2006

 

15. The Zone Commander reminded all Branches the importance of processing membership and getting members registered at Dominion Command in a timely manner. The Per Capita Tax rate for 2006 has been set at $14.46 for all members of the European Zone.

 

 

Report by Branches

 

16.  Branch 001; The President of the Branch reported that this years Remembrance Ceremony will commence with a church service in village of Söllingen. Following the church service they will Parade with a Colour Party from the Legion Club House to the Canadian Section in the Söllingen Cemetery where the actual Remembrance Ceremony will take place. They are expecting a large number of Military members from Ramstein, Heidelberg and Geilenkirchen to take part in the ceremony.

 

17.  Branch 002; The 1st Vice President reported the Branch will hold their Remembrance Day Service in the Canadian Section of the Lahr Berg Friedhof and do a poppy parade of the Canadians buried in local cemeteries in the area of Lahr. A reception will be held in the Lahr Legion Clubhouse following the poppy parade.

 

18.  Branch 003; The President of the Branch reported that the Branch tried closing a couple of days a week in order to save expensed but discovered they were actually loosing revenues and are now back to opening seven days a week. The Branch will hold there Remembrance Day Ceremony on Sunday 6 November with the Canadian Military in Groesbeek, the Netherlands.

 

 

19.  Branch 004; The President reported the Branch will hold their Remembrance Ceremony at the Canadian Memorial in the cemetery in Kippenheim and do a poppy parade of Canadians buried in their area. A reception will take place following the poppy parade.

 

 

20.  Branch 005; The President of the Branch reported that their Branch will conduct a Remembrance Day Ceremony on Sunday 13 November at the Canadian Liberation Monument in Apeldoorn. The Branch has put a lot of work into the Poppy Campaign. Efforts are being made to public awareness of the poppy in the cities of Apeldoorn and Zandvoort. The executive of the Branch are also trying to get a permanent Legion Hall but it is not easy due to the fact that members are spread all over the country. The Branch executive and members are hard at work promoting the Royal Canadian Legion in hopes of increasing their membership.

 

 

Open Discussion

 

21.  Since in the past we based our Annual Remembrance Ceremonies in the Netherlands around the parades such as Wageningen and Apeldoorn, last year after the 60th Anniversary activities it has been announced that in the Netherlands these large ceremonies will not take place in the future. The Zone Commander is of the opinion that these decisions are political and is convinced there will be ceremonies conducted around the 4th of May which is the National Day of Liberation in the Netherlands.

 

22.  The Zone Commander in discussion with Mark Hoederman of the PPCLI Re-enactment Group said they plan to continue Remembrance Activities and would be honoured to have us join them. He also said that the citizens of the Holten area will surely conduct a Remembrance Ceremony. Bob & Marga who are heavily involved in Ceremonies in the Gronningen area will advise of ceremonies in that area. In summary the Zone Commander assured all that we will not forget the sacrifice made by our fallen comrades and a Ceremony will be conducted in the Netherlands even if we have to do it ourselves.

 

23. The 2nd Vice President of Branch 005, Jan Van Loo who is also on the executive of the "Salvage Halifax 1944 Foundation" gave us a thorough briefing on the latest salvage operation regarding the crewmembers of Halifax 905 of No. 4 Group Bomber Command, 78 Squadron RAF which crashed on 25 May 1944 near the village of Hank in the Netherlands. Two of the seven man crew were Canadian the navigator FO Sidney Glen Peterson, age 21 from Winnipeg, Manitoba and Rear Gunner Joseph Thomas Lloyd LeBlanc age 28 from Barrie, Ontario.

 

Meeting Adjournment

 

22.  There being no further business to discuss a motion was made by Comrade Harry Irish  and seconded by Comrade Jocelyn Gelinas that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 1700 hours.

 

 

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 002 on Saturday 29 January 2006 at 1400 hours.

 

 

 

 

Gertrud Audet

A/Zone Europe Secretary
 

Reg Bonnar

Zone Commander, Europe

Approved / Not Approved
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Annex A

 

Folder Contents:

 

  • Minutes of the last Zone Meeting

 

  • Financial Statement

 

  • Branch contribution to Ceremonial Fund

 

  • Branch Membership Picture

 

  • Information regarding the Legion Convention 2006

 

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