In the News ...


October 23rd, 2007 - Veterans Week




Each year, Canada marks Veterans' Week from November 5 to 11. Veterans' Week is a time to honour and remember all those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace. Throughout the week, commemorative events and activities will be held in communities across Canada.
This year, we call upon all Canadians, especially youth, to take an active role in commemoration. Taking part in remembrance events develops a deeper understanding of the sacrifices and achievements of those who have served and continue to serve our country. As Canadians, we have endless opportunities to become involved in remembrance. We can talk to a Veteran, visit a local cenotaph or monument, read a book or attend a Remembrance Day ceremony.
When we take an active role in commemoration we become part of a legacy of remembrance and gratitude. We also set an example for future generations so that the torch of remembrance continues to burn brightly.

September 16th, 2007 - Battle of Britain Open House




Whalley Legion Branch #229, will be hosting an Open House for The Battle of Britain Day. The Branch will be open to members, their guests and the public Sunday, September 16th from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Dance to the music of the era with an 8 piece band, STARDUST from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. The Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band will also entertain the crowd. British fare will be available as well as the regular menu from the Legion kitchen.
A brief account ...
The Battle of Britain is known for two very important reasons in the annals of modern history. First, it was the only battle to be staged in military warfare what was ever fought entirely in the air, even to this day. Second, it was to turn the whole tide for the whole future of the Second World War, because if the Battle of Britain had been lost, German forces would have invaded Great Britain and would have had total domination of Northern Europe and possibly have succeeded in being a world power.
After successful invasions of Poland, Denmark, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France, Adolf Hitler’s Nazi rule needs only to succeed with Great Britain. British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill said, “... the Battle of France is over, I expect that the Battle of Britain is about to begin. Upon this battle depends the survival of Christian civilization. Upon it depends our British life, and continuity of our institutions and our Europe.”
Bombing Britain began on Sept 7, 1940 and on Sept 15; the largest concentration of German aircraft, Luftwaffe came across the English coast. That day Luftwaffe lost 59 aircraft and British Fighter Command 26. Within 2days, Adolf Hitler realized that Germany had failed to accomplish the defeat, and landing in Britain was out of the question. The blitz continued for 57 consecutive days, but on a lesser scale after the 15th. The Battle of Britain continued until Oct 31, 1940. In total, 2,936 pilots took part in this historic battle and 544 lost their lives.
We must never forget what this battle did for the cause for freedom, and the men who played their part to rid the world of dictatorship power. We must teach today’s generation that a handful of men fought for the freedom enjoyed today. Wars and conflict will continue to happen, but our western world is a place of freedom and democracy.

June 3rd, 2007 - Dedication of Veterans Way



A few streets and avenues were blocked by the RCMP on Sunday June 3, 2007, surrounding the Royal Canadian Legion, Whalley Branch # 229, not because of an incident, but for a special dedication re-naming 106th Avenue in Surrey, BC to 106th Avenue/VETERANS WAY.
The Legion, Whalley Branch #229 filed an application with the City of Surrey to commemorate the long history of the location of the Whalley Legion Branch #229 on 106th Avenue and to honour the Veterans.
The day, June 3rd was Veterans Day and selected as the appropriate day for the dedication. Local dignitaries, Veterans, Legion members and friends looked on as two RCMP officers, MP Penny Priddy, Whalley Legion President, Gary McIlwaine, Surrey City Manager, Murray Dinwoodie, and Jim Holland co-author of the idea, cut the ribbon officially dedicating 106th Avenue to 106th Ave/Veterans Way. The Legion Colour Guard, veterans, representation from all branches of the Armed Forces, the Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band and Air, Navy and Army cadets paraded on 106th Avenue/Veterans Way to the front of the Legion cenotaph for the remaining ceremonies.
Surrey Mayor Diane Watts, represented by, City Manager, Murray Dinwoodie, said that the Legion Whalley Branch #229 was very progressive in their submission to the city, saying that the Legion was a valued part of the community.
MLA's Bruce Ralston, Sue Hammell, Jagup Brar and Dave Hayer congratulated the Whalley Legion Branch #229 for their initiative and complemented the contributions to the City of Surrey; amazingly most had connections with Veteran through their fathers. Representing Veterans Affairs Canada was Martin Mac Donald expressing his congratulations on dedication of the 106th Avenue/Veterans Way.
Whalley Legion President Gary McIlwaine said that this avenue dedication was a long process from the time of the application to this day and he thanked the Veterans who worked diligently to initiate and bring about this project. The committee members, lead by Jim Holland were, Art O'Neill, Harry Glowachuk and Bill Woolf. President McIlwaine thanked them and presented each with a special pin for their work and effort in pursuing this initiative.
Wreaths and candles were laid, followed by and afternoon of entertainment, dinner and dancing for veterans and their invited guests. Thousands of dollars each year are contributed to the community by the fund raising efforts of the Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary. Some of the groups who receive support are MS Society, Cedar Hills Caledonian Pipe Band, Meals-on- Wheels, Heart & Stroke, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Amos Gordon Ferguson Manor, George Derby Long Term Care Facility, Brock Fahrni Pavilion Veterans Hospital, Surrey Youth Programs, 767 Dearman Air, Army, Navy Cadets, and some Secondary School Scholarships.
Check out the services of the Whalley Legion, hall rental, veterans services, fun, fellowship and availability of membership by calling 604-581-3441 or visit the location at 13525 - 106th Ave / VETERANS WAY, Surrey, BC or the website www.whalleylegion.org

April 8th & 9th, 2007 - The Great War on CBC




As part of the Great War Project, one of our Legion members, Garth Newlands, Pipe Major of our Legion Pipe Band was selected to take part in this remarkable television project marking the 90th Anniversary of Canada and the First World War. This series is set to air on CBC on April 8th and 9th followed a few days later with behind the scenes footage 1 hour special. Be sure and visit the Great War web site for additional information.