Three members of Portage la Prairie's Royal Canadian Legion Branch 65 were in Winnipeg last weekend for the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario convention.

They were led by President Bob Oldford, who says they dealt with a lot of resolutions that were sent to the provincial and national commands. He singles out the resolution establishing a provincial sergeant-at-arms -- a position that's been vacant for a few years.

"Where this particular individual is well-trained," he says, "And will be able to come around and train the various Legions in how to do colour parties, train sergeants-at-arms, and give them some input to make it better for them. Not all members of the Legion have military background, where they've had to march, and do drill, but there are occasions when the Legions are called on to do that."

Bob Oldford (photo by Rae Hathaway)

Oldford adds there was discussion about increasing membership, noting 80% of Legion membership's over 55.

"And if we really want to keep the Legion going, and keep honouring veterans," he stresses, "We need to start appealing to the younger group of veterans that are coming out of the Forces at this time, and also younger folks within the community that are interested in joining the Legion, because of the ability of serving those that have been serving us."

Portage Legion members Lynn Payette and Henry Romance were also at the convention.