The Morden Legion was challenged to provide greater support to more recent veterans.

The organization, like many branches across the country, strive to serve veterans and their families, as well as promote Remembrance.

The Legion held its Annual Legion Remembrance Day Banquet last night with every seat filled to capacity.

Guest Speaker, Major Mark Wilson, shared his own experience and challenges during in his time of service to Canada, as well as a call for greater support for younger veterans.

"There's another generation of young veterans coming up," he said. "Some that have seen fairly active combat."

Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen, Mayor Ken Wiebe, Legion President Bob Frost and Major Mark Wilson

Wilson explained although it is very important to honour our veterans of the first and second World War and the Korean War, there are new veterans and their families to reach out to and to support during tours of duty and when they return home.  

He explains it can be difficult for military families while husbands and wives are serving.

"That's a tough struggle for six months, and then the return, that's an extremely tough transition," he says, adding there's a myriad of practical ways the community and the Legion can help.

"Inviting a returning veteran to a banquet, inviting them to join the legion, including them in some of the social activities that go on, be willing to listen to some of their stories," he said. "It's amazing how much that means to be able to talk to people who understand the military, you're amonst friends, so you can feel safe to talk."

He explained while some are accused of glorifying war, veterans will tell you the reality is "hideous".

"It's very sobering, you realize just what humans are capable of doing to other humans," he said. "Once you've seen that, that will change your perspective on the rest of your life to."

Over 120 attenders were served by eight young Morden Cadet Members. These members had already had a full day taking part in three school assemblies earlier in the day to help the younger generation remember the sacrifice made for their freedom.

Tammy Petkau received a Certificate of Merit

With greetings from Minister Cameron Friesen, MLA for Morden-Winkler, MP Candice Bergen and Comrade in Arms and Mayor of Morden Ken Wiebe all tied together the message of appreciation for the sacrifice Canada's veterans have made for our country.

During the evening, Legion Secretary, Tammy Petkau received a Certificate of Merit, a high honor as it is usually given to a member for exceptional service who has served over 10 years in the Legion. Tammy has served 7 year.

Legion President Bob Frost and Treasurer and 2nd Vice President, Harvey Kinsman received Lifetime Memberships.  

"It was kind of overwhelming... neither Harvey nor I knew it was coming," Frost said. "We've been working kinda behind the scenes to get something for Tammy, cause she's done so much for our branch. But we didn't really expect something for ourselves."

Legion President Bob Frost and Treasurer and 2nd Vice President, Harvey Kinsman received Lifetime Memberships