Kincardine Legion hosts District C Convention with parade, banquet and meetings

The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 183, Kincardine, hosted the annual District C Convention on the weekend, complete with a parade through downtown Kincardine, a banquet, and several meetings and events.

The convention began with registration and informal hospitality at the Legion Hall Friday night.

Saturday morning, was the District C council meeting, and the president's meeting, and then the parade which formed up at Victoria Park and marched to the Legion. The Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band led the parade, followed by the Colour Party, dignitaries, members and delegates.



The Legion District C Convention parade through downtown Kincardine, Saturday morning

At the Legion Cenotaph, a brief ceremony was held, including "O Canada," "The Last Post," two minutes of silence, "The Lament," and "Reveille." Wreaths were placed by Brian Weaver, first vice-president of Ontario Command, and District C commander Derek Moore, as well as Kim Adams, first vice-president of Ontario Command Ladies' Auxiliary, and Kincardine Legion president Maureen Couture.

Padre Jim Weir told the crowd that it's good for everyone to be at the District C Convention as the the Royal Canadian Legion continues to serve its veterans in this area and across the country.

"It's important that we remember those who fought in war, and those who died," he said. "We hold Remembrance Day services every November, but we must advocate for our veterans everywhere every day."

He said the Legion helped more than 3,100 veterans with disability claims last year, and another 500 veterans with applications for the veterans independence program - all done free of charge.

"Becoming a member of the Legion is one of the greatest ways you can help support this work," he said. "Honouring and remembering our military is very important."

A banquet was held Saturday night, with Weaver as guest speaker; he was also the reviewing officer in the afternoon.

Weaver first joined the Legion in May, 1973, at Branch 201, Essex. He has served in many capacities within his branch and was elected to the branch executive, serving from 1981-86; was elected to second vice-president in 1986 serving to 1989, and was elected president in 1989 serving three full terms to 1992.
 

He also served on Zone 'A - 2' Council, being elected deputy zone commander in 1993-95; and was elected Zone 'A- 2' Commander in 1995-97. He received his life membership in 1995.

 

Weaver was appointed the vice-chairman of District 'A' in 1997-2000; and was elected chairman of District 'A' in 2000 serving two full terms to 2004.

 

He was elected deputy District 'A' Commander in 2004 and was elected to the office of District 'A' Commander in 2007. He was elected to vice-president of Ontario Command at the Ontario Provincial Convention held in Burlington in May, 2009. He served as the Provincial Poppy Chairman and also served as vice-president on the T.O.&D, and P.R.O. committees.

 

Weaver was re-elected as vice-president of Ontario Command at the Provincial Convention held at Sault Ste. Marie in May of 2011 and served on the Sports, Youth Education and Honours and Awards committees.

 

He was elected first vice-president of Ontario Command at the Provincial Convention held in Kingston, May, 2013. His duties include Chairman of the Resolutions Committee, being appointed to the Veterans Services Committee, Provincial Financial Advisory Committee, Provincial Property Committee, Charitable Foundation, and the Homeless Veterans Program. He was also appointed the Liaison for the Cadet/Legion Committee.

 

Weaver retired from the Daimler Chrysler Corporation in 2003 after 34-and-a-half years. With time permitting, he plays a little golf in the summer. He and his wife, Debbie Gill, have five grown children and 11 grandchildren.