Doug McMow has never been to war. He has never worn a military uniform. But he is a proud member of Sundre Legion Branch 223.
He is now in his fifth year as president of the branch. It has about 140 members with another 35 to 40 in the Ladies Auxiliary. Most of them are not veterans.
The makeup of membership in Branch 223 is an issue facing all legions across the country. Many of the 1,600 legion branches are struggling. Last August, one of the country's oldest branches, Carleton Branch 2 in St. John, N.B., announced it was closing after 86 years due to declines in membership and sales.
Officials say the decline in membership is due to the country's aging Second World War and Korean War veterans.
As for Sundre, McMow said he and the members realize the problem but are at a loss on how to turn fortunes around.
“I guess if I could see a solution I'd be a hero,” said McMow. “Most legions are facing problems with finances and memberships.”
In the meantime, the Royal Canadian Legion has relaxed membership guidelines over the years. The national organization offers three membership categories, including ordinary, associate and affiliate members. Civilians can now join their local legion branches and get involved in a variety of outreach programs and activities in their communities.
“The Legion was first set up to look after veterans from the Second World War and the First World War,” said McMow. “As time went on we got the RCMP in and then opened it up to anyone who wants to join.
“You don't have to have a military past,” he said, adding anyone 18 years of age and over can join. “It's just a matter of them contacting the legion any time. We will make willing workers out of them.”
He emphasized the mandate of the Sundre Legion is to assist veterans “any way it can” and to have meetings and functions for its members.
“One of the legion's big jobs is to remember our veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said McMow. “And to make sure the up-and-coming children remember those who gave their lives for their country.”
Although many other legions across the country have been forced to take drastic measures to remain open, McMow said the Sundre branch remains viable, although only about 20 to 25 members are active in its operations.
“That is our big problem, not having enough members to do the job properly,” he said.
However, the Sundre Legion is a beehive of activity this time of year as branch members prepare for its most important day of the year.
For Remembrance Day, Sundre Legion members will be visiting River Valley School and Sundre High School on Nov. 7 to hold a pre-Nov. 11 ceremony for the young generation.
The ceremony at River Valley School will begin at 9 a.m. while the ceremony at Sundre High School starts at 10:50 a.m. Branch members will then hold another pre-Nov. 11 ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 9 for the long-term patients at Sundre Hospital and Care Centre.
And on Nov. 11, members will hold their official full service at the Sundre Legion Hall. The ceremony will start at 10:50 a.m. Coffee and lunch will follow.
“Everyone is welcome to come to the service, not just the members and veterans but the public as well,” said McMow, who will be dressed in his legion uniform that features a blue beret and jacket, grey pants, white shirt and blue and yellow striped tie. “We have a big crowd there. If you want to guarantee a seat be there early.”
