Celebrating 60 Years

The Royal Canadian Legion Branches 68 and 69 on the west side are celebrating their 60th Anniversaries all this week. Branch 68 is the only all female legion branch in Atlantic Canada. All the members are women who served in the military during the 2nd World War. They were in different services. Some worked building airplanes. Others were military nurses here in New Brunswick and overseas. When they returned after the war a few of the women got together and decided they wanted a legion branch of their own, separate from the men. And they did it, actually receiving their charter a few days ahead of Branch 69.

I had a chance to spend a little time with some of the members this week. I attended the official opening of the anniversary festivities and it’s good to see these women know how to enjoy themselves. They’ve shared a bond for many years and have so much in common together. They told me how it’s nice to be able to sit and talk with friends who lived through those times. There are fewer and fewer people around who did.

That’s the issue facing these women today. One of their youngest members just turned 81 and there are only 31 of them left. Membership is open to all women who have served in the Canadian military but few are interested these days. I was told how the members would love to have some of the women serving in Afghanistan join their ranks but all agree that’s unlikely. So this group who have shared so much over the last six decades will try to hold the branch together for as long as they can.

The other thing I noticed about them although they won’t admit it, each and every one of these women is a feminist through and through. Not in the traditional way we’re used to today. These women are strong, independent and know how to take care of themselves. After all they did it through one of the most difficult periods of the last century. They know what women can achieve. They’re proud of their own accomplishments.

We look at them now and see 31 elderly women. Some need assistance getting around. But when you talk to them you can hear the strength even in what may be a feeble voice. These ladies (and I think that’s a term they don’t mind) really led the way for women today. In a sense they were the early players in the women’s movement. They opened the doors for women and even though many of the men didn’t want them serving during the war, they did it anyway and they made a difference. Women worked making ammunition and aircraft, freeing up the men to fly the planes and fight for freedom. These women are responsible for winning the war every bit as much as the men are. I think every young girl, and boy for that matter, should spend some time getting to know these incredible women while they still can. They can teach us all a lot.

So I salute them and thank them for what they’ve done and for what they continue to accomplish. Happy 60th Anniversary Branch 68 (and Branch 69 too) May you enjoy many more years together.