The Aldergrove Royal Canadian Legion Branch 265 marked its 63rd anniversary this March, reflecting on decades of community service.
In a letter to the branch, Alder Grove Heritage Society member June Speedie traced the local legion’s beginnings.
“The property bought to build the Legion on was a strawberry field,” she wrote, noting that, “Junior soccer tried to play on it. The challenge was to hit the hills that had not been levelled out. It made for a lot of ricochets.”
Before a permanent building was established, members gathered in rented halls. Speedie recalls those early years and personal memories.
“When I got my driver’s licence, I would take my parents to the dances and make sure I was back by 11:00 to pick them up,” she said.
The branch received its charter on March 20, 1962, with Len McNernie serving as its first president.
By June 1963, the branch’s community was expanding, including the formation of the Ladies Auxiliary.
“Year end of 1963 there were 21 members. Now, we are at 860,” Speedie wrote.
In 1964, the Ladies Auxiliary funded a plaque for the local cenotaph, which was refurbished in 2024, reflecting a commitment to remembrance.
In the digital age, the branch also evolved in how it connected with members. Organizers went from a mailed newsletter, the “Alderblast,” which cost 12 cents per copy in 1978, to email updates now reaching more than 600 members.
With major milestones also came notable leadership.
In 1978, Ann Campbell became the first woman president of the branch. The role of president is now held by Debra Gray.
Alongside Campbell were several individuals who helped shape the branch.
Fred Zaharia supported housing initiatives that led to a 250-unit mobile home park for veterans, Legion members, and the Aldergrove Legion Co-Op Housing Society, now known as Pioneer Park.
“He had a knack for bringing people together to support his projects,” Speedie recalled.
Later, Zaharia sold a campground at Canim Lake, and the proceeds went toward what is now known as the Aldergrove Veterans and Seniors Centre.
Albert Weldon donated funds to expand the branch’s building.
“He was a member of the branch who donated money so that the branch could build a part of our building to be opened more than just the Saturday night dances.”
The Weldon Lounge was named in his honour and is now known as the Weldon Hall.
Bill Franklin contributed to the branch community through storytelling as a survivor of a Japanese war camp, authoring the 2006 book “Through Adversity to Attainment.”
“He weighed only 84 pounds when he got home,” explained Speedie, noting that copies are available at the branch and local museum.
Ian Newby continues to preserve military history by regularly bringing army vehicles to community events like the Remembrance Day parade.
“When the branch hosts George Derby visitations, he sends a couple of vehicles with drivers to allow those veterans to talk about their memories,” Speedie said.
Overall, Speedie recognized how the branch has been a staple of the community since 1963.
“We are proud to be part of both the Legion Community and our Aldergrove community,” said Speedie.