Enderby honours legion

With Remembrance Day just a few days away, the City of Enderby is paying tribute to local veterans.

Council voted Monday to bestow the Freedom of the City on the Royal Canadian Legion.

“We all realize how fortunate we are to have the way of life we have and we need to recognize our veterans,” said Mayor Dee Wejr.

Freedom of the City is a title municipalities can present to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the community.

For Coun. Greg McCune, the legion meets that criteria.

“They donate a lot of money to the community and they are very generous. They are a tremendous asset,” he said.

It’s anticipated the award will be presented at the Nov. 16 council meeting.

“We will have a special ceremony to recognize them,” said Wejr.

In a letter to council, legion member Dee Corea-Jacobson pushed for the local branch to receive the special honour.

“I have seen how much work they do for the community, through their meat draws, fundraising and special events,” she said.

“In 81 years of being a part of Enderby, they have donated more than $1 million to the community, as well as helping veterans, the food bank and other local organizations.”

Officials have been unable to determine when, or if, Enderby has ever named a Freedom of the City before.

“It’s the highest honour we can confer and it’s something we do rarely,” said Wejr.

McCune hopes it will become a more regular event.

“There are a lot of people who have had a tremendous impact on the community,” he said.

The City of Vernon has bestowed Freedom status on the Royal Canadian Legion branch there.

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