PREECEVILLE - The Royal Canadian Legion, Preeceville #188 was formed and granted its charter on April 28, 1933. On April 28, 2023 the Preeceville Legion will celebrate 90 years of honouring the fallen, service to veterans and the community. The Legion is the longest serving organization in Preeceville.
In March 1933, a group of First World War veterans decided Preeceville needed a Legion. They had their first meeting at the Kazakewich store. There were 23 members at the first meeting and dues were 50 cents per quarter. You had to be a war veteran to be a member. In 1934, the Legion was renting space in Stitz store and made the decision to purchase the building in 1935 for $500.
There was an affiliated ladies auxiliary formed in 1950.These ladies were a great help in assisting the Legion raise funds. Also in 1950, the Legion agreed to purchase a Second World War training building from the Yorkton airbase. It was slowly moved across the prairie and in March 1952 it arrived in Preeceville.
Over the ensuing years the Preeceville Legion has had its ups and downs. In 1968 the management of the Legion Hall was turned over to the Lions Club. This arrangement lasted 10 years, and in 1990 the management of the hall reverted back to the Legion. In 2000 the ladies auxiliary disbanded. The Legion Hall was turned over to the town in 2007.
Memberships slowly declined, partially due to aging veterans. “Now, anyone interested in the Legion is welcomed to join. Membership now is $40 yearly. Because of this change in membership requirements, the Preeceville Legion has had a renewed interest and energy,” stated William Lesko, Legion representative. “Now, a veteran is anyone with military service.
“There is still fighting going on in the world and Canada has a military and a role to play. There will always be veterans and veterans needing assistance, someone fought for our freedom in order for us to live in that freedom. The Royal Canadian Legion is an extremely important institution and the need to advocate for veterans and lobbying governments for their rights and benefits is greater than ever. Veterans stood up for us when we needed them and we owe it to them to stand up for them in their time of need. Please consider joining your Legion,” stated Lesko.
To acknowledge and celebrate the Preeceville Legion’s important milestone there is a celebration supper and program planned for April 28 at the Preeceville Community Legion Hall. Tickets are available at various businesses and from any Legion member. “Please join us in this special evening. 90 years of community service in honouring the fallen and assisting veterans is quite an achievement,” encouraged Lesko.
Contact 306-814-7117 or 306-547-1251 for more information.
