The women of the Port Elgin Legion Branch 340 Ladies Auxiliary at the 70th anniversary celebration October 14 at the Port Elgin Legion.

Hub Staff

A celebration 70 years in the making was held at the Port Elgin Legion Branch 340, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Ladies Auxiliary, October 14. The event brought three levels of government to thank the women of the Port Elgin Ladies Auxiliary for the hard work they’ve done over the years serving the Legion as well as the community.

For 70 years the women of the Auxiliary have catered weddings, birthday celebrations, banquet luncheons and dinners; and have supported many community programs. “We’ve been a very, very active group,” said President Marg Esplen who added that she would like to see some younger members join to assist the group as they head into a busy season with the upcoming Remembrance Day brunch, and cooking turkeys for Northport Elementary School’s Christmas lunch. “We do a lot of good,” said Esplen.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith offered his congratulations on 70 years as did Huron-Bruce Member of Parliament Ben Lobb. “So many different people, if you think back through the years how many different people that you’ve supported through your auxiliary, how many different causes and events you’ve supported with your auxiliary, and think about how many lives you've changed from what you’ve done,” said Lobb. “As we move forward and the next generation’s men and women who are currently serving or just released recently will need your support, your compassion, and your care, and I’ll know that you’ll be there 110 percent.”

Representing Huron-Bruce Member of Provincial Parliament Lisa Thompson was her Communications Specialist John McPhee who presented a certificate to celebrate the Auxiliary’s 70th anniversary and offered her sincere congratulations.

Legion Branch 340 President Dan Kelly said the Ladies Auxiliary means a lot to the branch and to the community and touched on some of the programs the women support such as nourishment programs at local schools and the recent commemorative banner program. “One thing I would like to identify and one thing that you’ll be proud of... is that the [Ladies Auxiliary] has donated over $50,000 to various charities with their annual donations,” said Kelly, who joked that he wouldn't be around for the next 70 years but hoped to make it to the 100th anniversary.

Ladies Auxiliary Deputy Zone Commander Irene Surridge from Owen Sound has been familiar with the Branch 340 Ladies Auxiliary for the “at least forty years”.

“You are a hard working ladies auxiliary,” she said, and remarked on memories of bowling teams, and their “younger partying days”.

“We’re very happy to be here to help you celebrate your 70th anniversary,” said Surridge as she presented Ladies Auxiliary President Marg Esplen with a ceremonial plaque.

During the speeches Blair Eby of Legion Branch 340 told the crowd of a project of which the Port Elgin Legion is a part. Two signed Canadian flags is going to be sent to soldiers in Iraq and Latvia. The branch did this with one flag in 2016 at the request of Saugeen Shores soldiers who missed the comforts of Tim Horton’s coffee and microwaveable popcorn.

The Legion will house the two flags for anyone to sign, and both will be on display at the Legion come Remembrance Day. Tim Hortons and Rowland’s Independent are donating coffee and microwavable popcorn to be sent with the flags.

Anyone interested in volunteering with the Legion Branch 340 Ladies Auxiliary can pick up an application at the Port Elgin Legion, 630 Green Street.

Zone Commander Irene Surridge (left) and Deputy Zone Commander Marg Smith (right) presented Branch 340 Ladies Auxiliary President Marg Esplen with a plaque commemorating their 70th anniversary October 14.

Huron-Bruce Member of Parliament Ben Lobb spoke at the event, October 14, at the Port Elgin Legion.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith congratulated the Branch 340 Ladies Auxiliary during their 70th anniversary celebration October 14.

Communication Specialist John McPhee attended on behalf of Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson and presented the Ladies Auxiliary with a certificate from Thompson.

Two flags will be at the Port Elgin Legion Branch 340 for people to sign. The Legion will be sending the flags to Canadian troops in Iraq and Latvia, along with Tim Hortons coffee and microwavable popcorn donated by Tim Hortons and Rowland’s Independent.

The Legion Branch 340 Ladies Auxiliary got to taste test some of the tasty treats and a celebratory cake, October 14 at the Port Elgin Legion.