MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING

HELD AT BRANCH 003, IN GEILENKIRCHEN

ON SATURDAY 22 JULY 2006

In Attendance:

Zone                                      Zone Commander                                          Reg Bonnar

                                             Deputy Zone Commander                              Gerard Lemay

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Jocelyn Gelinas

                                             Zone Secretary                                              Patrick Gaussiran

Branch 001                            1st Vice President                                          Kevin Grainger

                                                                                                                 

Branch 002                            President                                                       Alfons Deguire

                                            

Branch 003                            President                                                       Frank Maher

                                             Past President                                               Valerie Laucke

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Valerie Corbeil

                                            

Branch 004                            Secretary                                                      Frank Becker

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Lucien Perraut

Branch 005                            President                                                       Ben Zonnenberg

                                             Treasurer                                                      Piet Polderdijk

Observer Members in Attendance:

Branch 002                            Member                                                        Daniel Van Landschoot

                                             Member                                                        Hans Devantra

Branch 003                            Member                                                        Elizabeth Hine

                        

Branch 004                            Member                                                        Iris Van Landschot

                                             Member                                                        Stephanie Poltano

                                       

Item                                                               Description

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Zone Commander distributed to each Branch an information folder. The content of the folder is listed at Annex A.

1.       The Zone Commander opened the meeting at 1400 hours by welcoming all in attendance. Continuing his opening remarks the Zone Commander gave an update on the condition of our two remaining War Veterans in the Lahr area:

      George MacMullen; George is doing fine, up and about every day even though confined to a wheel chair. He assures me that he eats well drinks plenty of fluids and is able to sleep without problems. I am happy with the way he is being cared for by his guardian and at the clinic. Under the circumstances I guess you can ask no more.

      Thomas J Andrews; Andy’s condition unfortunately has not changed. He appears tired most of the time and the heat wave we are suffering through at this time may be a factor. We continue to hope for the best.

     

The Deputy Zone Commander gave a briefing on the War Veterans in the Baden area:

      John Hamilton: John is in a care home but still able to recognize visitors and carry on a conversation. He is being well cared for at this facility.

      John Wallace; John recently had a heart operation followed by a stay at a rehabilitation center and seems to be recovering satisfactorily.

      Syd Phillips; Syd has been in and out of hospital lately and is presently being treated at home. Members look in on him often and continue to hope for the best.

2.       The secretary read the minutes of the last Zone Meeting held at Branch 001 in Söllingen on 22 April 2006 . There being no observation of errors or omissions the minutes were adopted as presented. Adopted by Comrade Kevin Grainger and seconded by Comrade Gerard Lemay.

Motion Carried

3.       The financial statement was presented. A question was raised on the financial assistance to Branch 004 in regards to the Werl Ceremony. Following the discussion it was agreed by the Zone Council that future ceremonies organized by Branch 004 in Werl will be considered a Branch project and the Branch will also be responsible to finance the event. There being no further observations or questions the financial statement was adopted as presented by Comrade Alfonse Deguire and seconded by Comrade Ben Zonnenberg.

Motion Carried

Old Business

03-06 MAY 2006 CEREMONIES IN THE NETHERLANDS .

4.  On Wednesday 03 May a contingent of Legion members departed the Lahr and Baden area in southern Germany and traveled to the Netherlands where accommodations were arranged at the Dutch Military Kaserne in Ede . A special note of thanks is extended to Branch 005 as they are considered our host when in the Netherlands and in particular to Hendrik Kuiper, Sgt-at-Arms Branch 005 who had arranged the quarters and stayed with us for the four days we spent in the Netherlands .

     On Thursday 04 May we traveled to Canadian War Cemetery in Holten where a Remembrance Ceremony was scheduled for 1100 hours. Arriving early gave us the opportunity to view the beautifully kept cemetery with its many flower arrangements through out. Also we had a great chance to chat with some of the visiting veterans from Canada as well as the many private visitors that came to the ceremony.

     By 1100 hours a surprisingly large crowd has arrived given it wasn’t an anniversary year and under sunny skies the ceremony started. The ceremony was well organized and although our Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party plaid a significant role in the ceremony the highlight of the ceremony was the participation of the youth. School children placed a bouquet of flowers on each individual grave in the cemetery.

     Following the ceremony in Holten members were invited to visit the new club house of Branch 005 in the town of Lochem . Branch 005 had arranged lunch for us which was greatly appreciated. We spent a few hours with our host and met the proprietor’s Yvonne and Berry Swarthoff. A delightful couple, she is Canadian and he is Dutch and consequently the premise is decorated with a touch of Canadian in the middle of the Netherlands . During the afternoon in the garden of the restaurant the Zone Commander had the privilege and honour to initiate Berry as a new member of Branch 005.

     Later in the afternoon on our way to Apeldoorn we stopped in Wilp to meet with the PPCLI  RE-Enactment Group who were setting up camp for there annual event of remembering the struggle of the PPCLI that liberated this area. Dressed in PPCLI uniforms and with many vehicles, tents, a good old army kitchen and weapons of that time through displays and re-enactment keep alive the battle which the PPCLI had in clearing the area and getting across the Ijssel River on their way north to Groningen .

     At 1900 hours by invitation from the mayor of Apeldoorn and fellow Comrade Mr. Fred De Graaf we met at the city hall and took part in the silent march and wreath laying ceremony at the memorial located in the near by city park. Following a short reception at city hall we headed back to Ede for a late supper.

     Friday 05 May dawned warm and sunny as we headed to Wageningen for the annual National Commemoration Capitulations 1945 Ceremony. It had been announced last year that this ceremony would no take place in the future. In conversation with some local citizens they assured us that it was strictly a political decision and that the citizens would not let that happen as the Dutch would not forget the events of this time even though it happened 60 years ago. To our delight of course the ceremony did take place with a few minor changes the staging area was in a different location but the crowds of people that lined the parade route was as big if not bigger that before, people were hanging out of windows, on top of buildings and 5 to 10 people deep. The enthusiast population cheered with genuine appreciation that could be felt by all participants. From a participant point of view it is quite emotional as well as you can see and feel the emotion of the people young and old alike. It is regarded as a ceremony but it is unique in that it is more of a celebration since it marked the end of the war and a new beginning for the Dutch people.

     On Saturday 06 May our members headed for home after having a pleasant experience with the Dutch people, with old friends and meeting new ones. We also celebrated one other phenomenon we had just spent four day in the Netherlands and never got rained on once.

6 MAY 2005 COMMEMORATIVE CEREMONY IN WESTKERKE , BELGIUM .

5.   On Saturday 6 May the Zone Commander with Comrade Alfons Deguire, President of Branch 002 and Comrade Jeoff Sanger, Treasurer Branch 001 departed Ede and drove to Belgium to attend a ceremony in Westkerke , Belgium that was scheduled for 1700 hours. The ceremony was to 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.

      Comrades Iris and Daniel Van Landschoot had arranged a number of our Belgium members to form a Legion Colour Party. We all met at the city hall and proceeded to the church where the ceremony commenced with church service. The Legion Colour Party played a significant role in the ceremony both in the church and at the gravesite. The church service was followed by a graveside ceremony and wreath being laid. A reception followed at the city hall where kind words of appreciation were extended for our participation.

1 JULY 2006 CEREMONY BEAUMONT-HAMEL

6.   From all reports received by the Zone Commander the ceremony at Beaumont-Hamel marking the 90th Anniversary went very well with many prominent guests including Princess Anne, Soldiers of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and our newly elected Dominion President Jack Fost. In spite of the Military Contingent, bands and large crowds our Legion Colour Party plaid a significant role in the ceremony. The Zone Commander extended his appreciation to all members who attended and in particular to Comrade Jocelyn Gelinas for the excellent job he did in conducting this ceremony.

LEGION CONVENTION

7.   Since the Dominion Convention Report will be posted on the Dominion Command Website in the near future the Zone Commander said he will just highlight a few items that may be of interest to the branches.

      First the Zone Commander said it would be amiss if he didn’t say that he and Gerry were given first class treatment by the Dominion Executive who spared no efforts in ensuring that we were well informed and looked after during the convention which was appreciated. The Zone Commander also added that he a Gerry had the opportunity to talk with all of the executive members of Dominion Command and he can say without reservation that our work here in Europe is noted and well appreciated.

      Approximately 1500 members from across Canada , USA and Europe took part at the convention. There were 1368 accredited delegates caring 2276 proxies and 74 observers.

      The newly elected officers are:

      Dominion President                                    Jack Frost

      Dominion First Vice President                     Wilf Edmond

      Dominion Vice Presidents                           John Alger

                                                                       Pat Varga

                                                                       Cliff Tessier

                                                                       Erl Kish

      Dominion Treasurer                                    Michael Cook

      Dominion Chairman                                    Tom Irvine

      Resolutions:

      Per Capita Tax

      The financial wizard at Dominion Command Michael Cook is to be congratulated on his outstanding presentation regarding the Royal Canadian Legions financial situation. It is actually quite commendable how Dominion Command continued to operate over the years receiving only $6,15 of the membership dues. If an increase in per capita tax was not approved the present rate of inflation and the declining membership will drive the deficit of the Legion to a staggering 8 million dollars. It was quite clear that reserves would be exhausted and the Royal Canadian Legion would be bankrupt. This would mean we would be faced with winding down the operation of the Legion.

      To protect the Royal Canadian Legions operational future and in providing the same support programs it was recommended that an increase of $4,50 (approximately €3,00) be added to the pro capita tax commencing in 2007. After some discussion and considering the increase is approximately the price of one beer the resolution passed.

      The Zone Commander expressed that in his opinion the European Branches can absorb the increase without raising annual membership fees. For comparison the Zone Commander presented the pro capita tax paid out of a Branch in Canada which left approximately ten dollars of the membership fees as revenue to the branch.

     

  Flag Protocol – Dipping of Colours

        THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Legion policy pertinent to flag etiquette be amended to comply with the flag etiquette established by the Canadian Government, Canadian Heritage, State Ceremonial and Canadian Symbols; and

      BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we fly all our Colours proudly to celebrate our national heritage during the singing or playing of O Canada and God Save the Queen.

      This motion was defeated and therefore the Royal Canadian Legion will continue to Dip Colours.

      The Zone Commander said he doesn’t understand why this issue has to be debated at every convention other than the fact that someone is trying to make a name for themselves. The Zone Commander said he is in favour of dipping the Colours in respect to our fallen comrades. It is not exactly known why the Royal Canadian Legion adopted the ritual however it is believed that it was the practice of most countries in honouring their war dead prior to the formation of the Royal Canadian Legion and was adopted for that reason. As you are aware all the European remembrance organizations dip Colours in honour of their war dead and for that reason alone I strongly feel we would therefore be scorned upon for no paying the proper respect to our war dead.

      The Zone Commander said he was prepared to speak against the resolution at the Legion Convention but you have to be very careful what you say and when you say it otherwise your presentation can be given a negative response. I was convinced if I had mentioned what we do in Europe it would have had that negative effect. With the decline of our war veterans I am not sure how much longer we will be able to protect this important ritual. I must also say that I am not totally against caring the Colours high during the playing or singing of the National Anthems and God Save the Queen however they most certainly should be dipped during the Last Post and Silence to pay respect to our war dead. This could be done with an amendment to any future resolutions raised on the subject. We will have to wait for the next convention in 2008.

      One final point on this issue is that I will be asking Dominion Command by separate letter to inform the Canadian Military, Veterans Affairs and any other organization that needs to know that the Royal Canadian Legion will continue to Dip Colours on ceremonies. If appropriate this information can be posted on their webpage. I know it is extremely annoying when we are doing a ceremony to have a Military representative screaming in the background that “you don’t dip the Canadian Flag” or as happened recently at the ceremony in Beaumont-Hamel a military representative claiming it is his parade and you will do as you are told and the “Canadian Flag will not be dipped”. You would think that a Military Person in any position of authority would have the decency to inform himself of the Royal Canadian Legion Flag Protocol which would avoid further embarrassment to him and the Canadian Military.

      Finally as a point of interest The Royal Canadian Legion as a member of the RCEL (Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League) contributes funds in support of veterans in the Caribbean Region. Each year at the Legion Convention donations are given in support of this program by the Branches. This year the total sum donated was $162.135,00

BRANCH CANADA DAY ACTIVITIES

8.   This topic can be discussed under Report by Branches.

New Business

BRANCH 003 CEREMONY AT THE JAHLAY-TEGELOT MEMORIAL IN BELGIUM

9.   The Zone Commander requested a briefing from Branch 003 on this ceremony. The president reported that this ceremony will be held on 27 August and will commencing with a church service and wreath laying ceremony at the town memorial and at the crash site memorial. The ceremony will be followed by a reception.

29 AUG 2006 - INAUGURATION OF A PLAQUE AT MOERBEKE-WAAS , BELGIUM

10.  The Zone Commander received a special invitation to provide a Legion Colour Party for an inauguration ceremony on 29 August in Moerbeke-Waas , Belgium . The Ceremony will honour the five member crew of a Wellington Bomber. Ceremonial activities will commence at 0930 hours with a reception at the city hall. Three members of the crew were Canadians and Canadian family members will be present at the ceremony. The actual parade will commence at 1100 hours. The ceremony will end with the Belgium Air Force doing a fly-past with missing aircraft formation.

      Flt Sgt (Air Obs.) BAITTLE, HORACE DAVID Canadian.

      Flt Sgt (Air Gnr.) HILTZ, LAWRENCE DONALD age 20 from Toronto

      Flt Sgt (W.Op./Air Gnr.) McKAY, DANIEL ARCHIBALD age 31 from Springhill, Nova Scotia.

      Flt Sgt (Pilot) DAVIS, SYDNEY BERNARD THOMAS age 20 from Lightpill, Gloucestershire in the UK .

      Flt Sgt (Pilot) VICKERS, CHARLES HENRY age 22 from Manchester in the UK .

      The aircraft was shot down on 29 August 1942 after targeting Nurenberg the crew are buried at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. To save costs the Zone Commander and Deputy Zone Commander will travel to Belgium with the Legion Colours and the Belgium Legion members will form the Colour Party.

09 - 10 SEP LIBERATION OF BELGIUM CEREMONIES                       

11.  Although to date Zone has not received an official invitation to this ceremony we will prepare as follows. Members are expected to arrive at the Belgium Naval Barracks near Brugge on Friday 08 September. On Saturday we will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Moorbrugge/Oostkamp Memorial. Parade the colours at the start of the Operation Switchback March Ceremony and any other ceremony that we get invited to on that day. On Sunday 10 September we will of course participate in the Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. Details TBA and will be posted on the Zone Webpage.

Zone

12.  The Zone Commander said there still seems to be some misconceptions in the roll that Zone Europe plays within the Legion Organization. Zone in general terms is basically an administrative body elected by you the Branches. Zone has been granted authority by Dominion Command that allows the Zone Council to assist Branch Presidents in matters that insures a smooth operation at the Branch level. It can be as simple as consolation or in a more serious situation can deal with issues that can not be resolved at the Branch Level. Zone is also the Branch link to Dominion Command.

      Members of the Zone Council, witch at the present time consists of four members, organize ceremonies of remembrance but the branches are the ones who provide the members to form the Colour Party and those members of the branch wishing to attend the ceremony.

      The Zone Commander, Deputy Zone Commander and Zone Secretary positions need no further explanation. The Zone Commander appointed a Zone Sgt-at-Arms to perform his duty in countries where we do not have a Legion Branch ie. Belgium , France, Italy etc. It was never intended that the Zone Sgt-at-Arms would take any precedence over Branch Sgt-at-Arms. To clarify an example would be if we are doing a ceremony in the Netherlands the Sgt-at-Arms of Branch 005 would perform that duty. If a ceremony is conducted by a Branch the Sgt-at-Arms from that branch would perform that duty even if the Zone Sgt-at-Arms would be present at the ceremony.

08 October 2006 THE RBL 450 CEREMONY

13.  The Zone Commander said that earlier this year it was announced that the RBL 450 would not take place this year then recently it was announced completely unexpected that the Amsterdam Branch of the RBL would organize a 450 event. In the meantime Branch 005 in conjunction with the Eindhoven and Arnhem-Nijmegen Branchs of the RBL went ahead and organized a ceremony “the 55 Graves of Heidehof” which we will support and attend on 08 October.

      The president of Branch 005, Ben Zonnenberg gave an update on the ceremony and said that all had been arranged and that too offset costs the local community and the city administration of Apeldoorn will assist with the reception.

CORRESPONDENCE

14.  The Zone Commander presented the contents of information in short form received from Dominion Command and said that branches interested could review the detailed information following the meeting.        

REPORT BY BRANCHES

15.  Branch 001; The 1st Vice Kevin Granger reported that this years Canada Day Activities was a success and looking forward for organizing a even bigger one for next years 140th Canada Day celebration. Branch 001 is running good and will hold their yearly activities such as Bingo, Remembrance Day as usual. Next Dart Tournament will be held on 12 August with Chicken Wings being served.

16.   Branch 002; The President Alfons Deguire reported that his 1st Vice President Bill Fairley had a successful operation on his spine. He is presently at a rehabilitation center for the next four or five weeks and is expected to recover without any problems. The Branch BBQ event went well and next BBQ will be held on 28 August and hopefully will be even better. This year there was no 1st July celebration. Regular activities such as monthly Bingos continue as usual.

17.   Branch 003; The President Frank Maher reported that they has a great outcome on their Country & Western evening and BBQ. The Branch has introduced regular Wings night once a month. Last general meeting was held on 13 June with the challenge of keeping members on the executive.

18.   Branch 004; The Secretary Frank Becker reported that the Branch had a successful Canada Day Celebration with a super turnout of over 85 people. Branch is getting more attention through ads in the local newspaper. The next annual Horseshoe Tournament will be held on 16 September where everyone is welcome to participate.

19.   Branch 005; The President Ben Zonnenberg reported that the Branch would like to extend their thanks to the Pipe & Drums band who accompanied them on ceremonies which is greatly appreciated. 1 July at Beaument-Hamel was a success with many thanks to Jocelyn Gelinas for the superb organization. After day one of the Nijmegen March the organizing committee realized they could no guarantee the safety of the people following the death of two participants caused by the extreme heat the event was cancelled. The Canadian contingent however had a ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek and the Branch provided a Colour Party for this event. In order to arrange accommodations Branch 005 need to know the names of Comrades that will attend the Zone Meeting and Ceremony in October in a timely manner. Final details of the ceremony will be announced.

OPEN DISCUSSION

20.   The Zone Commander opened this discussion by bringing ceremonial events to the attention of the Branch Presidents. He said that it is not his intention to discourage any member from attending ceremonies but with the raising costs of travel and accommodations it has taken a toll on our limited funds. Ceremonial funds are not designed for Branch outings and I would therefore request that Branch Presidents keep this in mind when forwarding their list of members wishing to attend ceremonies.

The Zone Commander inquired to the President of Branch 003 if they got the Wreaths and Poppies that Dominion Command should have sent a few months ago. Apparently they didn’t arrive but the president will check with CMTT and advise ASAP.

Zone commander requires list of names with exact spelling for ordering name tags.

Meeting Adjournment

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

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 005 in Lochem (Exact Location to be determined) on Saturday 07 October 2006 at 1400 hours. Please forward the names of members that will attend the Zone Meeting and the Ceremony in a timely manner to arrange accommodations.

Patrick Gaussiran

Zone Europe Secretary
 

Reg Bonnar

Zone Commander, Europe

Approved / Not Approved
 


Annex A

Folder Contents:

Back to Minutes