Estevan Legion Bursts With Pride Following Provincial Convention

For four days, the city of Estevan was the focal point for all Legion clubs across the province.

Closing ceremonies held at noon on Monday inside the Legion Hall wrapped up a successful weekend as Estevan played host to the 49th Saskatchewan Command Biennial Convention.

READ MORE: Legion Hosts Provincial Conference

"It was a very nice event and we had some wonderful comments about our volunteers," expressed Estevan Legion President Lyle Dukart following the final march on Monday. "We have had wonderful volunteer help this weekend, just super." 

Roughly 126 delegates from Legion Clubs in Saskatchewan, as well as special guest members from Manitoba, Ontario and Montana, were all in Estevan for the convention that began Friday night and carried on until noon on Monday.

Many topics were discussed throughout the weekend including how to improve the membership numbers at all branches, including the location in Estevan.

"It's a discussion at every convention," added Dukart. "We need new recruits."

"Everybody's in the same boat that we are. Trouble with recruiting new members, financials and so on. But we're all working together to try and achieve that, and the Saskatchewan Command helps every branch out."

Aside from the impressive parade and march on Saturday from the Legion to the Cenotaph on 4th street, the major event of every convention is the election of the new provincial board.

Lorne Varga of Unity, Saskatchewan was elected as the new Provincial President of the Saskatchewan Command.

"I have to thank Estevan for hosting us, it was a very nice convention," stated Varga, who also got an up close look at the Estevan Soldiers' Tree next to the Cenotaph. "We've got a lot of work to do."

"We need to increase our membership. We need to get on the right track and we need some changes."

Both Varga and Dukart spoke of the same need for members, who are essentially volunteers, to continue growing both the Legion and the communities they are located in.

"When the boys came home after the war, they built these Legions," expressed Varga. "It was all volunteer, and these days you just don't see as much volunteerism."

The local Legion in Estevan, one that has seen the community come to their aid after some significant financial woes were made public, is looking forward to new, interested members joining the organization to ensure it remains a part of Estevan for decades to come.

READ MORE: Legion Receives Yet Another Donation From The Community