Branch 5 of Royal Canadian Legion celebrated 60th anniversary as Henry Therriault named life member in 1986

When Branch Number  5 of the Royal Canadian Legion celebrated its 60th anniversary on October 6, 1986, it also honoured Henry Therriault, a World War II veteran, who had been active in the branch since returning to Chapleau after the war ended in 1945.

The branch members and guests attended a banquet in the Legion hall on the exact date that its charter was received in 1926. Led by Harry Searle, a World War I veteran, after whom the branch came to be named attended a convention in Winnipeg in 1925, where the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League was established.

A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Life Membership in the Legion to former branch president Henry Therriault. It is the highest award bestowed by the Legion, and was given to Henry for his many years of "devoted service."

The banquet was prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary and served by members of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 852.

The opening ritual including the marching on the colours and the singing of O Canada were led by Ken Russell and Bruce McCarthy, the branch president.

The response to the Toast to the Queen was given by Henry Therriault and Conrad Tremblay.

Head table guests included provincial Legion president Bill Smith, Ladies Auxiliary president Frances Corston, Bruce and Henry and Ken Russell, who was also reeve of Chapleau.

In his remarks Mr. Smith extended congratulations to the branch for 60 years of "dedicated service" to the work of the Legion, according to a story in the Chapleau Sentinel.

Bruce McCarthy, in his comments, said he was proud of the 60 years of service given to Chapleau by the Legion. He gave special thanks to Gilbert Landry and Keith "Sonny" Chambers, both World War II veterans, for the help they provided to the branch.

Certificates of appreciation were presented to Yen Hong, Joe Serre, Harvey Turcotte, Peter Simpson, Louis Nunner and Eunice Michaud.

Frances Corston congratulated the branch and presented a cheque for $2,000 to it from the Ladies Auxiliary. A cheque for $1,000 was presented to the Salvation Army.

The Sentinel noted that there had been some concern about attendance at the banquet because it coincided with the opening day of moose hunting season, but the hall was packed.

As Remembrance Day approaches it is noteworthy that 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I in 1914 and the 75th anniversary of the start of World War II in 1945.  Lest we forget! My email is mj.morris@live.ca