MINUTES OF THE ZONE MEETING

HELD AT BRANCH 003, GEILENKIRCHN ON

SATURDAY 23 JULY 2005

In Attendance:

Zone                                      Zone Commander                                          Reg Bonnar

                                             Deputy Zone Commander                              Gerard Lemay

                                             Secretary                                                      Patrick Gaussiran

                                             Sgt-at-Arms                                                  Jocelyn Gelinas

Branch 001                            President                                                       Harry Irish

                                             2nd Vice President                                          Kevin Grainger

                                             Treasurer                                                      Geoff Sanger

Branch 002                            Member Representative                                 Daniel Van Landschoot

Branch 003                            President                                                       Frank Mahr

                                             Immediate Past President                               Valerie Laucke

                                             1st Vice Presidnt                                            Jonathan Volf

                                             Secretary                                                      Kelly Berix

                                             Treasurer                                                      Lilains Freuworth

Branch 004                            Member Representative                                 Gaetan Bienvene

Branch 005                            President                                                       Ben Zonnnberg

Observer Members in Attendance:

Branch 001                            Member                                                        Heinz Binesser

                                             Member                                                        Bert Gehri

                                             Member                                                        Bing Giraud

Branch 003                            Member                                                        Valerie Corbeil

                                             Member                                                        Liz Hine

Branch 004                            Member                                                        Iris Van Landschoot

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. 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 as was reported at the last Zone Meeting was moved into a full care facility in Lahr. Recently George suffered a stroke and was admitted to the hospital where he remains in grave condition and unfortunately doctors have given up on any chance that he will recover.

Thomas Andrews with changes to his medication they finally got his blood pressure under control so he is feeling better. Speech therapist is trying to convince everyone that he is making wonderful progress but he hasn’t been able to say anything to date so until he is able to speak I will continue to have scepticism of her diagnosis. Andy is bored stiff but still in good spirit. Unfortunately there is no visible progress to report.

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 Geoff Sanger and seconded by Comrade Johnathan Volf.

Motion Carried

3.       The financial statement was presented and there being no questions the financial statement was adopted as presented by Comrade Harry Irish and seconded by Comrade Kevin Grainger.

Motion Carried

Old Business

02 – 09 May 60th Anniversary Ceremonies and Activities in the Netherlands

4.       On behalf of all Zone Member that took part in the ceremonies conducted during the week in the Netherlands the Zone Commander expressed his gratitude to Branch 005 for their hospitality. A special thanks to the Sgt-at-Arms, Hndrik Kuiper, who staid with us for the entire week in Ede and made sure we were at the right place at the right time for the many ceremonies we attended.

In general the week went very well and with the exception of the ceremony at Groesbeek, which was organized by Veterans Affairs and the Canadian Military, our presence was well received. In spite of the way we were treated the ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Groesbeek was a very nice ceremony and well attended. The highlight had to be the large numbers of veterans present on this the 60th Anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands . The down side was the treatment we received as a Colour Party. The Zone Commander has submitted a report to Dominion Command outlining our concerns.

The ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Holten was also well attended with as estimated 5,500 people in attendance with basically the same contingent present as was in Groesbeek. This ceremony was organised by the Dutch as were the remainder of the ceremony we would attend during the week so our Colour Party was afforded the proper respect including the proper platform to parade our Colours. The highlight of this ceremony had to be the participation of the youth in attendance.

Following the ceremony in Holten we went to the town of Wilp and spent the afternoon with members of the PPCLI re-enactment group who were setting up their camp. Each year this group set up a camp complete with field kitchen, WWII vehicles and weapons. Dressed in PPCLI uniforms and through displays, pictures and posters they tell the story of the PPCLI who liberated this area and their advance over the River Ijssel on route north to Gronningen.

To complete the day we participated in the silent march in the city of Apeldoorn where a wreath was laid on behalf of Zone Europe.

In summary the marches through the cities of Wageningen, Nijverdal and Apeldoorn were quite remarkable. Unbelievable crowds came to cheer and give thanks to their liberators. The parades were both heart warming and at times emotional in spite of the cold and wet weather.

08 May 2005 Branch 003 Participated in the Annual Ceremony at Hotten/Bure, Blgium.

5.    This ceremony is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of the British 6th Airborne Division and the Belgium SAS (Special Air Service) who were killed in the Battle of the Bulge, December 1944 through January 1945 or in skirmishes leading up to the battle. Members of Branch 003 including the Colour Party were very well received at this ceremony.

01 July 2005 the Annual Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Service

6.    At the time of this ceremony the Zone Commander was in Canada attending the funeral of his mother and the ceremony was conducted by our very capable Deputy Zone Commander, Gerard Lemay.

The Deputy Zone Commander reported the ceremony went very well which involved some luck since when they arrived on site it was pouring rain. Minutes before the ceremony the rain stopped and stayed dry until the ceremony finished and the Colours were put away then it poured again. In addition to the Zone Colour Party they were joined by a Colour Party from Branch 003 and the usual group of French flag bearers. A wreath was laid on behalf of Zone. Following the ceremony a reception was held in a tent located in the parking area.

01 July 2005 Branch Canada Day Activities

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

New Business

14 August 2005 Remembrance Ceremony Werl, Germany

8.       This ceremony is being organized to pay respects to the 448 Canadians Buried in this cemetery. (124 Military and 324 Family Members) During the initial organizational meeting for this ceremony the Zone Commander stated that under normal circumstances Zone covers the cost of transportation and accommodations for ceremonies. It was also pointed out at that time that if we should get a large number of members wishing to attend this ceremony then we would have to come up with a financial plan to cover some of the costs. The Zone Commander went on to explain that under normal circumstances when organize a ceremony he sometimes has difficulty getting enough members to form a Colour Party and numbers rarely exceed ten or twelve members and three or four vehicles.

At this point the Zone Commander called upon Comrade Gaetan Bienvenue who on behalf of Branch 004 is organizing this event to brief the delegation on what has taken place to date. Comrade Bienvenue presented each Branch with a package outlining all procedures for the event. Two items that were significant was that he was able to arrange accommodations for 25,00 Euro per person per night including breakfast the second was that he had a list of 40 people who wish to attend.

The Zone Commander acknowledged he was delighted that so many people showed an interest in this ceremony but stated that it no presents us with the problem of finding a solution to the financial situation. Even though the price of accommodations is certainly reasonable our limited Zone Fund could not afford to pay 2000,00 Euro for the planned two nights of lodging not to mention transportation costs.

As a basis to start the discussion the Zone Commander stated that Zone was prepared to pay one night of lodging if the members would be responsible to cover the rest of their costs. During the discussion it was discovered that some individuals wishing to attend were not Legion Members so to pay one nights lodging for non- members would not be fair. After some debate and a few suggestions the majority present seemed to favour paying their own lodging since it was only 25, 00 Euro per night and have Zone pay the cost of transportation for members.

The Zone Commander asked that a motion be tabled to that affect. A motion was put forward by Comrade Jocelyn Gelinas that “Members wishing to attend the ceremony in Werl would be responsible to cover the cost of their own accommodation and Zone to cover costs for travel”. The motion was seconded by Comrade Geoff Sanger. A vote was taken with the majority being in favour.

Motion Carried

28 August 2005 Branch 003 Ceremony at the De Jahlay Memorial in Belgium

9.    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 Ceremony usually starts with a church service after which a wreath laying takes place at the town monument followed by a ceremony and wreath laying at the site of the memorial. After the ceremony a reception is held at a local establishment.

10 – 11 September 2005 Liberation of Belgium Ceremonies, Belgium

10.       The Zone Commander reported that the only communications he had received to date was form the Military Attaché Karel Heemskerk that he would be attending a meeting of the organizing committee and wanted to know if we had any concerns if they had a combined Canadian/Polish Ceremony (normally the annual Polish ceremony was held in November). The Zone Commander responded that we have absolutely no problems with the proposal.

The Zone Commander asked Comrade Iris Van Landschoot, one of our Belgium members, to give a briefing on what information she has on the upcoming ceremonies. Iris said that Zone should receive the official invitation within the week. On Saturday 10 September we can expect to be asked to provide a Colour Party and wrath laying at the Morebrugge Memorial as we have done in previous years. Parade the Colours for the commencement of the Operation Switchback march and a memorial service along the route.

We should also receive the official invitation for the ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem on Sunday 11 September. Other than it being a combined ceremony the protocol is expected to be the same as every year. Iris is also doing her best to find us accommodations for that weekend. Because of the recent closure of military establishments in the area we may be forced to seek other arrangements but in the meantime she will continue her efforts seeking reasonable accommodations.

The Zone Commander thanked Iris for her information and efforts to find accommodations. He also pointed out to the Branches the importance of forwarding the names and accommodation requirement of those members wishing to attend this ceremony in a timely manner.

The Zone Commander further reminded the Branches that as he receives information regarding ceremonies he posts that information on the Zone Webpage. The webpage can be viewed at www.rcl-europe.org 

08 – 09 October 2005 Zone Meeting and the Annual Royal British Legion 450 Ceremony

11.       On Saturday 08 October Branch 005 will host the final Zone Meeting of the year on route to the British 450 Ceremony. The meeting will be held at 1400 hours at the Military Kaserne in Nieuw Milligen located just west of Apeldoorn . Accommodations are being arranged in the Military Kasrne in Ede .

On Sunday 09 October the Royal British Legion will conduct their Annual 450 Ceremony in the town of Budel which is located just south of Eindhoven. Details of the event will be posted on the Zone Webpage as information becomes available.

20 October 2005 the Ceremony at Ijzendijke, the Netherlands

12.    This ceremony is dedicated to honour the victims of an accidental explosion that 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.

If this ceremony develops the Zone Commander and the Deputy Zone Commander will travel to this ceremony and the Belgium members will provide the Colour Party. Details of the event TBA.

Correspondence

13. The Zone Commander received a letter form Dominion Command in reply to the report submitted in regards to our concerns with Ceremonies of Remembrance that are organized by Veterans Affairs and the Canadian Military.

The Zone Commander expressed his thanks to Dominion Command for negotiating our concerns with both VA Canada and the Canadian Military and setting them straight on our policy of dipping the flags including the Canadian flag. At least this may prevent the announces of some CWO screaming in the background “You Don’t Dip The Canadian Flag” as we are paying respects to our fallen comrades during ceremonies.

Report by Branches

14. Branch 001; The President of the Branch reported that this years BBQ event introduced on May 1st was a great success and they intend to repeat this event annually. Darts and Cribbage tournaments are well accepted and become regular events. July 1st Canada day was reasonable this year as the weather was not the best. The Branch will hold a separate Kids Sports Day Event on July 29th to make up for the 01 July cancellation.

15. Branch 002; The Zone Commander spoke with the President of Branch 002 who was unable to attend the meeting due to an injury at work and is under going doctor’s treatment. His 1st Vice is in Canada and the remainder of his executive are on holidays. The Zone Commander expressed his concern to the President regarding membership and the Branch contribution to the Zone Ceremonial Fund which he will pursue on his return to Lahr.

16.   Branch 003; The President of the Branch reported that six new members were initiated at the last general meeting. There are some repairs being done at the Legion premises yet the Branch is doing quite well financially. The Legion will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in order to have extended opening hours on the days open. 26 August the Branch will host a Hawaiian night and everyone is welcome to attend tonight’s Victory party.

17.   Branch 004; Comrade Bienvenue member representing the Branch reported that their Branch will in the near future have a BBQ and a first time horseshoe competitions where everyone is welcome to join. In the last Bingo session the Jackpot was cracked at 625,00 Euros. Everyone attending the Werl ceremony will receive a handout information package. The initiation ceremony has been translated into the German language and a copy will be made available to the Zone Commander and all Branches.

18. Branch 005; The President of the Branch reported they are assembling and attending less parties as the members are spread all across the country. The website www.rclbranch005.nl is being visited more frequently by Veterans. Many thanks and appreciation was expressed for the attendance of all Branches at this year’s 60th Anniversary celebrations. The Branch is doing well in activities with e.g. schools making the youth aware of the RCL in the Netherlands and Europe and the history involved. There will be various poppy campaigns this year conducted in the Netherlands . Comrades attending the next Zone meeting at Br. 005 in Apeldoorn should inform the Zone Commander and Ben accordingly. Ben also mentioned his dissatisfaction with the service and support of the RCL supply shop in Canada . This experience was shared by most of the attendants. Request to have one single location for all Branches in Europe is not possible.

Open Discussion

19. The Zone Commander commenced this session by elaborating on a couple of items in the hand outs. The article on the Royal Canadian Legion, “who we are and what we do”, is based on ether questions he has been asked or discussions (sometimes arguments) he overheard.

20.   The article on Commonwealth War Graves and Post War Graves in Germany is just to let you know the number of cemeteries we are talking about. It had been suggested by Comrade John Wallace that Zone might consider a Program of Remembrance similar to that of the Royal British Legion 450 Ceremony. The Zone Commander likes the idea but asked this item to be tabled for a later date.

Meeting Adjournment

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

Note: The next Zone Meeting will be hosted by Branch 005 on Saturday 08 October at 1400 hours.

Patrick Gaussiran

Zone Europe Secretary
 

Reg Bonnar

Zone Commander, Europe

Approved / Not Approved
 

Annex A

Folder Contents:

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