Monthly Archives: January 2021

That thing that happened after the Battle of Bladensburg 🔥

An item from the Legion Magazine.


Front Lines
Squabbling over Vancouver Island

That thing that happened after
the Battle of Bladensburg

Story by Stephen J. Thorne

The War of 1812 was at its peak and the Battle of Bladensburg, Maryland, was ending in a British victory just northeast of Washington, D.C.

It was August 1814. In a few months, the war would be over. But now the American capital was in a frenzy. British troops were gathering on the horizon and the Battle of Washington was about to begin.

READ MORE

On Sale - Save 50% on 2021 Wall Calendar
Convoy duty aboard HMCS Port Arthur
Convoy duty aboard HMCS Port Arthur
Convoy Duty aboard HMCS Port Arthur

Convoy duty aboard HMCS Port Arthur

Story by Sharon Adams

It’s fair to say Harvey Douglas Burns did not know what lay in store when he left the merchant marine and joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942.

Sailors in the merchant navy had cabins, shared with one shipmate. After joining the crew of HMCS Port Arthur, he asked a shipmate where he was going to sleep. “Do you see them bars up there? That’s where you hang your hammock.”

READ MORE

Canada's Great Naval Battles
This week in history
This week in history

January 20, 2004

Some 2,000 Canadian troops leave CFB Valcartier, Que., for Afghanistan.

READ MORE

Simply Connect
Legion Magazine

Salute! January 2021/ Salut! Janvier 2021

Note this newsletter from Veterans Affairs Canada.  We encourage all members to register themselves.


(Le message français suit) 
Veterans Affairs Canada’s magazine, Salute! is now an e-newsletter and we are proud to present this first issue. Please share this e-mail with your friends and networks, and encourage them to register by visiting letstalkveterans.ca to keep up on issues that matter to Veterans and their families.
Let us know what you think about the new Salute! by emailing vac.consultation-consultation.acc@canada.ca.

The Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund is open for applications
Does your organization support the well-being of Veterans and their families?
Apply for the Veteran and Family Well-Being Fund. Funding is available to organizations from the private, public or academic sectors doing research and realizing projects and initiative in support of the well-being of Veterans and their families. Applications will be accepted until 8 February 2021.
Not sure if you qualify? Check out our funding guidelines.
Interested in applying? Find the application here.

Valentines for Vets
“Valentines for Vets” is back! Make special valentines to show your appreciation for those who have served our country in times of war, military conflict and peace. Each year, we invite schools, individuals and organizations to make valentines for Veterans in long-term care facilities. We encourage you to also share photos of your creations on social media using: #CanadaRemembers

Shape the future of remembrance and recognition in Canada
How should we commemorate and recognize those who served in Canada’s military, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions over the next decade? In February, we will invite former and current Canadian Armed Forces Members and their families to share thoughts using our new engagement platform, Let’s Talk Veterans.
We drafted the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan for Commemoration in consultation with the VAC Commemoration Advisory Group, and now we want to hear from you. How should we adapt to Canada’s ever-changing landscape to reach our diverse and digitally-connected population?
Through online participation, you will be invited to share your comments and ideas. We will report back to you on how we’re using your feedback.

Gulf War Veterans, we would like to share your stories
Did you participate in the Gulf War or know someone who did? As the 30th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War approaches, we are looking for Veterans to share their stories with Canadians.
The Gulf War was a conflict with long-lasting consequences for those who were involved. However, the Gulf War also brought about many firsts: it marked the first conflict where Canadian women played an active combat role, the first Canadian air-to-surface attacks since the Korean War, and the first time in decades that Canadian naval and air forces supported each other in combat.
We want to educate Canadians about this difficult but unique part of our country’s history and we need your help. We are looking for Veterans to profile and share their experiences with Canadians across the country. The profiles will be shared on the They Proudly Served section of our website and on our social media pages. We hope they will raise awareness about the Gulf War and honour those who served. Check out our website to see similar examples of profiles from our previous series, Faces of Freedom.
If you are interested in being interviewed and having your story told, please contact us at vac.engagement.acc@canada.ca.

Mental health supports for you
Mental health is an important part of overall well-being that affects how we think, feel and act in response to life’s daily challenges. Our sense of purpose, belonging, personal growth and relationships all contribute to our mental well-being. Now more than ever, you should make sure you are keeping an eye on your mental health and self-care.
Anyone can experience feelings of sadness, anger and low self-esteem. When these feelings affect your ability to function, support is available. Staying connected with friends and family, and getting outside for short walks are useful ways to improve mental health. As a current or former member of the CAF or RCMP, or a family member, you can also access targeted services and benefits to improve your well-being.
The Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) program and The Helping our Peers by Providing Empathy (HOPE) program connects military members, Veterans and their families with others who can relate to their experiences.
The VAC Assistance Service provides psychological support to Veterans, former RCMP members, and their families or caregivers. It is a free and confidential support line available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a professional when you need it.
You aren’t alone on your mental health journey. There are many supports and services available to guide you through your progress to wellness. To find out more about the supports and services available to you, visit Veterans Affairs Canada-Mental health and wellness.

(The English message precedes)
Le magazine d’Anciens Combattants Canada Salut! est désormais un bulletin d’information électronique et nous sommes fiers de vous présenter ce premier numéro. Veuillez partager ce courriel avec vos amis et vos réseaux et les encourager à s’inscrire en consultant le site parlonsveterans.ca pour se tenir au courant des questions qui comptent pour les vétérans et leur famille.
Faites-nous savoir ce que vous pensez du nouveau Salut! en nous envoyant un courriel à l’adresse vac.consultation-consultation.acc@canada.ca.

Les demandes sont acceptées dans le cadre du Fonds pour le bien-être des vétérans et de leur famille
Votre organisme soutient-il le bien-être des vétérans et de leur famille?
Présentez une demande dans le cadre du Fonds pour le bien-être des vétérans et de leur famille. Du financement est offert aux organismes des secteurs privé, public et universitaire qui mènent des recherches et qui mettent en œuvre des projets et des initiatives à l’appui du bien-être des vétérans et de leur famille. Les demandes seront acceptées jusqu’au 8 février 2021.
Vous n’êtes pas sûr d’être admissible? Consultez les lignes directrices pour le financement.
Vous souhaitez présenter une demande? Vous trouverez le formulaire ici.

Des valentins pour les vétérans 
L’activité « Des valentins pour les vétérans » est de retour! Faites des valentins pour montrer votre reconnaissance à ceux qui ont servi notre pays en temps de guerre, de conflit militaire et de paix. Chaque année, nous incitons les écoles, les personnes et les organismes à faire des valentins pour les vétérans dans les établissements de soins de longue durée. Nous vous invitons aussi à partager les photos de vos créations sur les médias sociaux en utilisant #LeCanadaSeSouvient.

Façonner l’avenir de la commémoration et de la reconnaissance au Canada
Comment devrions-nous commémorer et reconnaître ceux qui ont pris part aux missions militaires, humanitaires et de maintien de la paix du Canada au cours de la prochaine décennie? En février, nous inciterons les membres des Forces armées canadiennes – anciens et actuels – ainsi que leur famille, à partager leurs réflexions à l’aide de notre nouvelle plateforme de mobilisation, Parlons vétérans.
Nous avons rédigé le Plan stratégique pour la commémoration 2020‑2030 en consultation avec le Groupe consultatif sur la commémoration d’ACC, et c’est maintenant à votre tour d’être entendu. Comment devrions‑nous nous adapter au paysage en constante évolution du Canada pour atteindre notre population diversifiée et connectée de façon numérique?
En participant en ligne, vous serez invités à formuler vos commentaires et vos idées. Nous vous informerons de la façon dont nous utilisons vos commentaires.

Vétérans de la guerre du Golfe, nous aimerions partager vos histoires 
Avez-vous participé à la guerre du Golfe ou connaissez-vous quelqu’un qui y a participé? À l’approche du 30e anniversaire de la fin de la guerre du Golfe, nous recherchons des vétérans qui souhaitent partager leurs histoires avec les Canadiens.
La guerre du Golfe a été un conflit terrible avec des conséquences durables pour ceux qui y ont participé. Cependant, la guerre du Golfe a également été à l’origine de nombreuses premières : elle a marqué le premier conflit où les femmes canadiennes ont joué un rôle actif au combat, les premières attaques air-surface canadiennes depuis la guerre de Corée et la première fois depuis des décennies que les forces navales et aériennes canadiennes se sont soutenues au combat.
Nous voulons informer les Canadiens sur cette partie difficile, mais unique de l’histoire de notre pays et nous avons besoin de votre aide. Nous sommes à la recherche de vétérans pour dresser le profil de leurs expériences et les partager avec les Canadiens de partout au pays. Les profils seront partagés dans la section « Leur service. Notre fierté. » de notre site Web et sur nos pages de médias sociaux. Nous espérons qu’ils sensibiliseront les gens à la guerre du Golfe et qu’ils rendront hommage à ceux qui ont servi. Consultez notre site Web pour voir des exemples semblables de profils de notre précédente série, Visages de la liberté.
Si vous souhaitez être interrogé et que votre histoire soit publiée, veuillez communiquer avec nous à l’adresse suivante : vac.engagement.acc@canada.ca.

Soutien en santé mentale pour vous
La santé mentale est un élément important du bien-être général qui touche notre façon de penser, de ressentir et d’agir face aux défis quotidiens de la vie. Notre but, notre appartenance, notre croissance personnelle et nos relations contribuent tous à notre bien-être mental. Maintenant plus que jamais, vous devez vous assurer de garder un œil sur votre santé mentale et vos soins personnels.
Tout le monde peut connaître des moments de tristesse, de colère et de faible estime de soi. Lorsque ces sentiments touchent votre capacité à fonctionner, vous pouvez obtenir du soutien. Rester en contact avec nos amis et notre famille et sortir faire de courtes promenades sont des moyens utiles pour améliorer la santé mentale. En tant que membre actif ou ancien membre des FAC ou de la GRC ou un membre de la famille, vous pouvez également accéder à des prestations et à des services ciblés visant à améliorer votre bien-être.
Le programme de soutien social aux blessés de stress opérationnel (SSBSO) et le programme Empathie et soutien par des pairs offrant une invitation au réconfort (ESPOIR) mettent en relation les militaires, les vétérans et leur famille avec d’autres personnes qui peuvent comprendre leurs expériences.
Le Service d’aide d’ACC offre un soutien psychologique aux vétérans, aux anciens membres de la GRC ainsi qu’à leur famille ou à leurs aidants. Il s’agit d’une ligne de soutien sans frais et confidentielle qui est à votre disposition 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7. Composez le 1-800-268-7708 pour parler à un professionnel quand vous en avez besoin.
Vous n’êtes pas seul dans votre cheminement vers la santé mentale. Il existe de nombreux services et mesures de soutien disponibles pour vous guider tout au long de votre progression vers le mieux-être. Pour en savoir plus sur les mesures de soutien et les services qui vous sont proposés, consultez  Santé mentale et bien-être – Anciens Combattants Canada (veterans.gc.ca).
You’re receiving this email because you are a registered participant on Let’s Talk Veterans.

Passing of Former RCAF Association National President George McMahon, Sr.

We mark this sad passing from a fellow Canadian veterans organization.


We acknowledge the sterling service of Squadron Leader (Ret) George Arthur McMahon, Sr, former National President of the RCAF Association, who passed away 13 January 2021.

https://www.familiesfirst.ca/memorials/george-mcmahon/4492562/index.php

 

Royal Canadian Air Force Association,405-222 Somerset St. West Ottawa ON K2P 2G3 CANADA, Phone Number:(613) 232-4281, Fax Number: (613) 232-2156, Email Address: director@airforce.ca, Website : http://rcafassociation.ca

Event: social diversity & partisan identity; An “intellectual lifeline” for Bay Area Canadians

An item from a fellow Canadian organization in the Bay Area.


Canadian Studies Announcements
In this issue:
  • Upcoming event: Social Diversity, Partisan Identity & the 2019 Canadian Election
  • Meet Canadian Studies: Board Member Rosann Greenspan
  • Affiliate event in French: “Le système d’immigration canadien”
Upcoming Event
Social Diversity, Partisan Identities and the 2019 Canadian Election
February 2 | 12:30 p.m. | RSVP here
Join Professor Allison Harell as she explores the ways in which intergroup dynamics structure vote choice in Canada. Drawing on the 2019 Canadian Election Study, she focuses in particular on how partisan identities and political preferences are anchored in key social cleavages in Canada that structured the way in which the 2019 election campaign played out.
Allison Harell holds the UQAM Research Chair in the Political Psychology of Social Solidarity. She is interested in how social diversity affects the political world, especially the ways in which prejudice influences public opinion formation. Her current research focuses on how intergroup relations influence support for both economic and political solidarity, as well as how intergroup perceptions spill over into electoral politics.
Meet Canadian Studies: Board Member Rosann Greenspan
Dr. Rosann Greenspan may be one of the Canadian Studies Program’s newest board members, but her connections with Berkeley and Canadian Studies are longstanding. Hailing from Toronto, Rosann moved to Berkeley to attend graduate school and has lived there (mostly) ever since. Prior to her retirement in 2019, she served as executive director of the Center for the Study of Law and Society at UC Berkeley. Read below to learn what motivated her to join the Canadian Studies advisory board, and why she thinks the program is a valuable resource for all Canadians in the Bay Area; find the full interview on our website here.
What’s your connection to Canada?
I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario. After attending college in the States (Vassar and Yale), I returned to Canada and received my M.A. at the University of Toronto, worked for the Law Reform Commission of Canada in Ottawa, spent some time as a grad student at McGill, built a log cabin in the Yukon, and lived in the beach town of White Rock, B.C., among other adventures. I moved to Berkeley for a Ph.D. in the then-fledgling interdisciplinary program Jurisprudence and Social Policy, which seemed tailor-made for my interests. Other than a few years in the ’90s in Washington, DC as a U.S. Supreme Court Fellow and as research director of the Police Foundation, I have lived in Berkeley and been connected to UC Berkeley since 1980. My family are all in Toronto and I return there frequently, several times a year.
Why do you support Canadian Studies?
Canadian Studies provides an intellectual lifeline to Canadians at UC Berkeley and throughout the Bay Area. Whether visiting scholars passing through only for a few months, or transplants like myself who have settled here, I’ve yet to meet a Canadian affiliated with UC Berkeley who, once connected to the Canadian Studies Program, isn’t hooked! It provides a hub for Canadians whose work may not be obviously related but who crave the connection. But beyond that, Canadian scholarship, as Irene’s marvelous expansion of speakers has shown, leads the way in cutting edge thinking in so many fields. I have no doubt that more and more scholars across the university are turning their attention to what Canadian Studies has to offer.
Tell us a fun anecdote about being Canadian in the Bay Area.
I remember the day I drove into Berkeley in August 1980, after a solo cross-country drive that began in Montreal. As a foreign student, the one location I knew about was International House, where the Berkeley International Office was. I thought I might be able to rent a room there while I looked for an apartment. So I drove from I-80 up University Avenue and into the main gate of the university. I spoke to the gatekeeper, and asked him for directions to Piedmont Avenue. Only I pronounced it as you would in Montreal – I think it must have sounded something like “Peeyaymoan” in my poor accent. I wasn’t being fancy, I honestly couldn’t remember how to say it in English. He had no idea what I was saying. So he helpfully asked where I was trying to go and I told him International House and off I went.
Affiliate Event
Conférence: “Le système d’immigration canadien”
February 3 | 4:30 p.m. | RSVP here
Note: This event will be conducted in French.
L’immigration a joué un rôle très important dans l’histoire et le développement du Canada en tant que pays. Dans ce programme virtuel, l’Alliance française de Berkeley accueillera deux experts pour mener une discussion sur le système d’immigration du Canada. Ils présenteront comment le système canadien se compare à celui des États-Unis, les avantages et les possibilités associés à l’immigration, ainsi que les défis potentiels.
Les panelistes seront Irene Bloemraad, une sociologue politique et directrice du Programme d’études canadiennes à l’Université de Californie à Berkeley, et Yves Beaulieu, le consul pour la politique étrangère et la diplomatie au consulat général du Canada à San Francisco.
Canadian Studies Program
213 Moses Hall #2308
Canadian Studies Program | Univ. of California, Berkeley, 213 Moses Hall #2308, Berkeley, CA 94720

The Legion Dispatch – January 2021

We have copied and pasted the relevant general member items below for the members of US Branch 25.


Legion Dispatch. Visit branch
services.
January 2021
Twitter. Facebook. Youtube. Instagram. Linkedin.
Poppy
Store.
  Share this email
Keep your Branch informed

Forward this email to your Branch Executives, Committee Members and other members to keep them up-to-date on important updates and information.
All Branch emails are also available on the Member Services Website
In this edition – January 2021
alt_text
Refer a friend to the Legion for a chance to win
The bigger our membership, the bigger the impact the Legion can make in the lives of Canada’s Veterans.
Encourage your members to invite an eligible friend or family member to join online here before March 30 using promo code REFER. Both current and new member will be entered for a chance to win a $500 Canada Post Visa gift card.
* Referring member must be in good standing as of January 31, 2021. See full Terms and Conditions.
alt_text
Dominion Executive Council meeting
The Dominion Executive Council meeting minutes from the November 28–29 meeting are now available. Minutes from all meetings can be accessed on the Member Services Website under Branch and Command Resources / Dominion Executive Council.
View DEC minutes  ‣
alt_text
Legion Representative in the 2021 Nijmegen Marches
As the 2020 Nijmegen Marches was cancelled due to pandemic restrictions, the Legion has asked our 2020 Representative, Joan Cook, to represent the Legion in the 2021 Marches. Comrade Joan was pleased to accept the opportunity and continues to train for this challenging trek.
An announcement for Legion member submissions for the 2022 Nijmegen Marches is expected to be made by January 2022.
alt_text
Operation Santa Claus was a success!
The Legion proudly supports Support Our Troops’ Operation Santa Claus program, which provides gift packages to every Canadian Forces member deployed. This past Christmas, we sent over 2,500 gift packages to our troops, thanks to the support of our membership.
Take a look at what was waiting for our troops on Christmas morning:
Improving Veterans’ support in Ontario
Last year, The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command worked with the Ontario Government to expand the Soldiers’ Aid Commission so Ontario Veterans of all ages and their families can finally access financial assistance if they are in need. Learn more about this important expansion.
Learn more  ‣
Clearing the VAC benefit claims backlog
The Royal Canadian Legion has issued a public statement urging Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces to quickly implement recommendations made to improve the backlog of disability benefit claims. With nearly 20,000 applications still in limbo, Veterans face continued frustration and despair, as many wait in dire need of the disability benefits and supports they need.
Read more  ‣
Your Legion calendar
Your 2021 Legion calendar is now available!
Promote important dates and organize activities at your Branch with this list of upcoming days that raise awareness of an issue, commemorate a group or event, or celebrate an important topic.
DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR  ‣
Partner promotions
The following is brought to you by our partners, highlighting special offers and other information.
Special offer from Legion Magazine
Legion Wall Calendar.
If you have any questions, please contact Member Services and we will be pleased to assist. 1-855-330-3344 or membership@legion.ca

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. EST

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.
Copyright © 2021 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved.

Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information.

Our contact information is:
The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855‑330‑3344
E-mail: membership@legion.ca