It has been many years since Canadian fighting men fought vicious battles for freedom. Their ranks are rapidly thinning.
With this in mind, The Royal Canadian Legion, No.6 Branch in Cloverdale, celebrated with a free supper and entertainment for all its members, who were allowed to invite one guest.
Last Sunday afternoon, the Legion was close to overflowing as many decorated veterans in blazers and medals filled the tables in anticipation of the event. As a first time attendee, having transferred to Branch 6, I was transfixed and delighted with the program.
Two women entertainers of outstanding professional talent produced the show which enthralled the assemblage, producing laughter and misty eyes among men mainly in their late 80s and early 90s. The melodies of the war years to which the men marched, flew, sailed were wounded and often died, were resurrected by the talents of two outstanding women, Linda Jones and Patti McGregor.
Although much of their career has been dedicated to veterans and the preservation of their music, it is but a part of their ability. Within their repertoire is music from the Klondike, roaring ’20s, nostalgia of the ’30s and ’40s, as well as English music hall, country, and right up to the present day of rock and roll.
The lists of famous artists with whom they have worked include the famous Dal Richards and a host of others. The most important part of this enthusiastic endorsement of these outstanding stars in this, however: Linda Jones has written the words to and the music for brilliant and endearing songs about the country we call home, Canada. These songs should be made part of the fabric of this country and sung by every school kid and be used in all functions which honour our nation.
That the Cloverdale Legion produced this outstanding show is a credit to its brilliant executive and hard-working members.
Mike Harvey
Langley
