Abbotsford Legion Celebrates 90th Anniversary
Branch 15 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Abbotsford celebrated its 90th birthday on Friday, March 3.
(Left to right) MLA Simon Gibson, Legion President Brian Mills, Mayor Henry Braun, Councillor Sandy Blue, veteran Cyril Holbrow, veteran Dan Norgaard and veteran John Molnar.
The village of Abbotsford was incorporated in 1924 and the Abbotsford Legion, Abbotsford-Sumas-Matsqui Branch No. 15, to be exact, was given its charter on March 3, 1927. Hence our Legion is probably the oldest continuous organization in Abbotsford.
At the celebration, Mayor Henry Braun gave the opening address, commenting on the presence of Simon Gibson MLA (representing the Government of BC), Tricia Taylor, assistant to Darryl Plecas MLA, Councillor Sandy Blue, and welcomed the members of Legion branch 15 at the 90th birthday of the branch. He commended the Legion on being active in helping to build the community.
He looked at the table at the model of the iconic Legion building that was at the Five Corners, and recalled that he used to hang out there as a teenager. He commented on all the work that the Legion has done in the community and in the country and in the lives that veterans have sacrificed for our freedom, values, way of life and our security.
Mayor Braun stated that the Legion plays a vital role in helping us remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice when we gather at Thunderbird Square every Remembrance Day. It was an honour and a privilege to meet here with the people from the branch and hear the stories.
He praised the branch for its support of veterans, our youth and those of low incomes. And also with the social activities like the monthly Fish and Chips, the Sunday Breakfasts and the other social activities.
Today was a good opportunity to let the members know that we are grateful for your work and wish you the very best as you continue your excellent work in your community and in the country.
“Enjoy this milestone and thank you for inviting me.”
Simon Gibson said that he was pleased to be present representing Christy Clark, Premier of BC, and commented on the “quality” of the members present. He mentioned that his father was in the Royal Navy during World War II and was in submarines. His father was once in a war situation in a squad of six submarines and only his father’s vessel returned to base, the others were lost. Otherwise he himself would not have been here today. 
He referred to the book written by long time Legion member, Cyril Holbrow, a decorated World War II veteran, which had discussed the time of 90 years ago, and encouraged us to read the book.
Simon related that he had been to the branch on several occasions and always found it a friendly place to visit, and talk to people, something he has always enjoyed. He stated that the Legion has an important role and needs more younger people which he realized was a challenge – a marketing challenge.
He mentioned the cost of war and that Canada has been in several; that all persons that didn’t return are rightly called ”Our Glorious Dead” as our Cenotaph states.
Model of Cenotaph made by Cyril Holbrow
These persons gave their lives so that we can have the freedom that we enjoy today, so that the Mayor and I can come here and speak freely. In the countries of the World today (something like 270) many don’t have the freedom that we have and we should never take this for granted.
Our ancestors, relatives, friends gave their lives to make our democracy possible. And this is continued today for the citizens who will come along next. Simon thanked us for inviting him and said he would return in another 90 years if invited!
Brian Mills, Legion President, thanked Mayor Braun and Simon Gibson for their remarks and best wishes. He also thanked those members who had prepared the branch for this gathering and celebration and indicated that there would be refreshments coming shortly. He then invited Cyril Holbrow to say a few words.
For an impromptu speech, Cyril gave a very interesting account of the different early Legion buildings and an account of his life from enlistee to a serving Canadian Signals Officer in World War II. His account of sailing in the convoy to England and then his experience in going to Normandy soon after D-Day, and in the French towns of Caen and Falaise during the invasion were both humorous and gave an insight into some of the horrors of war. A video of his talk follows:
Cyril Holbrow Talk – early Legion buildings and, mostly, World War II experiences. This is followed by Brian Sims thanks to Len and the others who prepared the branch for this afternoon.
As explained by Cyril in the video, the original Abbotsford Legion building was just down the road from where the present building is. Then that building was moved to near Five Corners and raised up so that the Fire Department could use the space below the building to park their fire trucks. The raised building was used by the village of Abbotsford for its offices. Then the Legion got their iconic building at Five Corners, the model of which was on the table and was referred to by Mayor Henry Braun earlier. The branch at its Five Corners location was a very busy place. “In those days there were lots of veterans and members. There was a large hall at the branch which was always occupied and in operation with dances, socials and was often rented out. It was the focal point of the town” Cyril told us.
After Cyril’s talk, the refreshments were soon served followed by a handsome birthday cake for the Legion’s 90th Anniversary.
