Not only were they named as a winner in the category of Best Local Legion Branch in our 2023 Spirit of Norfolk Awards, but this past summer the Waterford Legion Branch 123 had something even bigger to celebrate, and we invited President Ian Simpson into the studios to tell us about it.
As one does with any big milestone, they celebrated their 95th anniversary with music, food and fun.
While the Legion’s dedication to supporting Veterans has been unwavering in the past 95 years, much else has changed over the years, including the location of Branch 123.
And they have some changes of their own planned as well, albeit less of a change than the removal of the silos that has served as a landmark for so many years.
While talking about celebrating big milestones at the Legion, President Simpson told us a bit about a ceremony they have coming up later this month, and how it will see some of their members being recognized for their commitment to the Legion.
During this Honours and Awards event, they will also be honouring another group of people that many people may not consider when they think of the sacrifices our Veterans have made for us and our country.
And while they use their building and their pavilion to celebrate their own milestones and host their own events, one way that you can help support the Legion is by hosting yours there as well.
With Remembrance Day coming up, the Waterford Legion hopes to see the community at their Service at the Cenotaph outside of Old Town Hall, and they would also like to see people come to the Legion for a light lunch, which will be served after they hold their Veterans Service at Greenwood Cemetary following the public service. There will be many Veterans in attendance for the service and for the lunch, and President Simpson explains to us why it is important for the community to take the time to stop by.
With Remembrance Day being on a Saturday this year many are concerned that students will miss out on the school-led observance of the day, but the Legions and the schools have a way of working around the dates on the calendar.
While it may make for a busy few days for the Legion, President Simpson feels that it is worth it, because it ensures that our younger community members remember the sacrifices made, and those who make them.
Another way the schools and the Legions work together to engage younger generations on the topic of Remembrance Day and honouring our Veterans, is through some friendly yet meaningful competitions.
The Legion is also a great place for students to volunteer to get their 40 hours of community service; helping them set up for and run their events.
When you think of the Legion, you don’t tend to think of the youth in our community, but the Legion wants to ensure that they build that connection with them, and that they help those youth build skills that will assist them as they go through life.
After all, as President Ian reminded us during our interview- they are our future.
Listen to the full interview with Waterford Legion Branch 123 President Ian Simpson:
Written by Robynn Beazley