1 May 2015
The Rev. Art Turnbull, Branch 15 Chaplain

The recent Ypres recognition at the Abbotsford Cenotaph was an important moment.  Though very small in turnout the significance of the Second Battle of Ypres on the days of 22 to 26 April are a Canadian moment in history that must not be forgotten.  It was very good of Mr. John Durham to arrange for the memorial as a tribute to his father who fought in the battle, was gassed and wounded twice, and then taken prisoner for three years by the German army.   Like so many WW 1 veterans, Pte. Edwin Durham came home, put on his civvies and went to work building his family and Canada.  Yet Edwin did not forget his battle.  Every anniversary was remembered.  Thanks Mr. Durham for inviting some of us from the Legion to take part this year of the 100th anniversary.
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1 April 2015
The Rev. Art Turnbull, Branch 15 Chaplain

April is that month that is put to music.  “April showers” come our way bringing flowers in May.  The tune is one of those that stick in the mind.  It can be hummed anytime.  The words can be sung along in the morning shower.

April showers in World War One brought the devastation of war in Europe to a greater depth.  The rallying of the troops for the Empire in 1914 led to drenched and stinking reality  in the trenches of warfare.  The 2nd Battle of Ypres in April 1915 found the Canadian soldiers being drenched with chemicals in the gas attacks from the enemy lines.  The promise of “May flowers” was a long time coming.

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FIREFOX and GOOGLE CHROME are the best browsers for the Legion Website.
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1 March 2015
The Rev. Art Turnbull, Branch 15 Chaplain

We have been blessed with such a mild winter in our region. Warm weather and lots of sunny days. Winter has not impacted upon our daily life. We are even sounding a bit smug in messages we send to friends back east. Yet we must remember that we do not control the weather nor do we live here as a given right. Tomorrow may be our turn.
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1 February 2015
The Rev. Art Turnbull, Branch 15 Chaplain

In January a few of us from Branch 15, Connie Smith, Peter Slade and myself, attended the presentations on the contribution of the Indian Army in World War One. It was a privilege to learn about this contribution by the Indian Forces. The talks were given at the Sikh Museum and at the University of Fraser Valley Indo Canadian Studies Centre in January. We learned about the sacrifices made by our brothers in arms who were part of the British Empire just like we Canadians were at that time. How that war contributed to the making of our respective nations is history worth knowing about. For those of you who missed the talks there is an opportunity to still learn about this story. A standing display, well done and researched, is open to the public at the Indo-Canadian Studies Centre at UFV. This is located off Mackenzie Road, at the second entrance to the campus with paid parking available on site. The display is on until the 8th March. Well worth a half hour of your time, and it is free.
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