By Kerry J Newstead
HAGERSVILLE—It was a night of Remembrance, it was a night of comradery, and it was a night of celebrating.
Branch 146 Hagersville of the Royal Canadian Legion held their annual Veteran’s Appreciation Night on Satuday, November 9, 2024.
The evening began with a social time with Dr Amelia Grace Yates playing background music. Jack Esselment, President, gave opening remarks and Rev Peggy Bartlett read the names of the members that had passed away this past year before saying Grace.
The guests were treated to a smorgasbord of a potluck meal. From everyone’s favourites of roast beef and pasta dishes, to sliced ham and pineapples, cabbage rolls, and a lucky few had the opportunity to try moose meatballs. The desserts filled everyone’s sweet tooth.
HAGERSVILLE—Guests of honour included the veterans from Br 146 (front) Al Walsh and George Roach, (back) Marwood White, Richard Johnson, Wally Wilson, and Jim Yates. 
HAGERSVILLE—Legion President Jack Esselment (centre right) presented the John Quinn Memorial Award to Sue Toal, Melissa Gagne, and Elaine Slack. 
HAGERSVILLE—A piece of Remembrance artwork done by a local student. 
eorge Roach reciting the poem In Flanders Fields. 
Poppy cookies from the dessert trays. 
HAGERSVILLE—Milt Hoover, former fire chief in Nanticoke, with Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead.
Local Scouts and Guides were present to help serve the food and hot refreshments.
The highlight of the evening was the awarding of the John Quinn Memorial Award to Sue Toal, Melissa Gagne, and Elaine Slack.
Wendy White recalled her father John Quinn, of whom the award is named after.
“He was a member of the Legion for many years, so it was kind of like a second home. And he volunteered; he was the president of what they called the Golden Half Club back then,” she explained.
Before his death in 1985, Quinn helped with a variety of Legion fundraisers like fish fries and dances.
“So that is why they have an award named after him. They donate this award to whomever is good volunteer for the Legion,” she added.
In the closing remarks, Esselment gave his thank you to all that came out and to the organizers, Jim and Jodi Yates.
Legion member George Roach read the poem ‘In Flander Fields’ and gave a brief history of the poem.
The evening was concluded with Legion member Jim Yates piping the closure.
