Community urged to get involved with Legion Week in Essex

-Ladies’ Auxiliary celebrates 75th anniversary with tree blessing-

Members of the Essex Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary show off the maple tree that was planted near the Essex cenotaph this spring to commemorate the 75th anniversary of this organization in Essex. The tree was officially blessed during the wreath-laying ceremony that took place on Sunday afternoon that kicked-off Legion Week.

by Sylene Argent

The Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) kicked off Legion Week locally on Sunday afternoon with the annual laying of wreaths ceremony at the local cenotaph.

  Legion Week is a multiple-day event that offers fun activities for community members, over the age of 19, to enjoy. While designed to be fun, Legion Week is hosted at may branches across the nation so community members can learn about the many services and programs the local Legion offers, which includes assisting veterans and providing support to youth organizations.

  It is hoped community members will take the time to enjoy the events offered and maybe even consider becoming a member.

  Branch Padre Kim Gilliland kicked-off the wreath-laying ceremony with a scripture reading from Psalm 1:13.

  Essex Legion Branch President Erroll Caza noted he has been involved with the local Legion Week wreath-laying ceremony at the cenotaph for five years, and the crowd that showed up on Sunday was the largest yet. He noted community members are welcome to join in the Legion Week festivities planned for Essex, and urged everyone in the community to get involved to not only enjoy the activities offered, but learn about the services the Essex Legion provides.

Members of the Essex Legion hosted the annual wreath-laying ceremony at the local cenotaph on Sunday afternoon to kick off Legion Week.

  Before heading back to the Essex Legion to enjoy the first “Taste of the Town” event that featured food from seven local restaurants that participants could enjoy, Gilliland blessed a maple tree that was planted adjacent to the Essex Cenotaph earlier this spring to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the local Ladies’ Auxiliary.

  “May this be a reminder of how far we came in 75-years,” Gilliland said, adding may the tree be a symbol of service for the Essex Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary.

  Legion Week continued with a dart tournament on Monday and a Euchre Tournament on Tuesday. On Wednesday, a burger day was scheduled. The much-anticipated Trivia Night will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday and a pickerel dinner will take place on Friday evening. Essex’s Legion Week celebrations will conclude on Saturday with the annual Kinger’s Krazy Golf tournament, which typically sells-out due to its popularity as putting a fun twist on a traditional sport.