Our Cenotaph

“ With the collapse of the German army in the early summer of 1945 and the surrender of Japan shortly after, most of those who served overseas returned to their homes and these veterans, along with some of those from the First World War, got together in the spring of 1946 with the idea of starting a Legion Branch in Russell. Among those from this area were Harold Cordell, Eber Robinson, Ray Shahan and Robert Morrice. They first met in the offices of the old bank of Hochelaga. It was decided to apply for a charter under the initials L.T.H. standing for the names of three members of the Royal Canadian Air Force who had been killed in action during World War Two - P.O. Stewart Long, P.O. Eric Twiname and W.O. Gordon Henderson. For a time, they met in the basement of the Commercial Hotel but in 1954 the Legion constructed its own building, the site of the present Legion Hall at 40 First Avenue. A ladies auxiliary was formed but the road wasn’t easy ; in the early sixties there were only six legion members. At that time, Cecil Weatherall became president and under his leadership, the Legion once more became an active part of the community. In 1970, the present Legion Hall was built and today we have a very active organization with a membership of well over one hundred.

The legion is not only concerned with the welfare of veterans but it has sponsored the Boy Scouts, an army cadet group and has also taken an interest in the Ladies Broomball League, in minor hockey, the Russell Junior C’s and has donated money to several community projects to name a few ; Girl Guides, Children’s Christmas Party, Christmas Food Banks, Russell 4-H Club, and the Russell Park. It has also donated to area organisations such as Winchester and District Memorial Hospital, Osgoode Care Center and the Salvation Army. At the present time Ron Goodwin is president, Bobbie Nielson is secretary and George Nielson is past president of the Russell Legion Branch No. 372. ”

- Russell and District Historical Society

Photos of the unveiling of the Russell cenotaph when Cecil Weatherall was the Legion President and the Ernie Burton was the reeve. Ernie Burton was reeve from 1964-1972.