This story is a part of Branch 25’s on-going National Legion Week campaign.

Michael Barbour
Associate Member since 1998

Samuel (Sam) Barbour served as a Gunner (GNR) in “A” Battery of the 59th (Newfoundland) Heavy Regiment of Britain’s Royal Artillery during World War II.  Along with his regiment, he fought through Belgium and into Holland, before the “Fighting 59th” were the only Allied heavy artillery that crossed the Rhine River into Germany when they were selected to take part in the Battle of the Rhine and the attack on Bremen. In the years that followed, Sam Barbour was one of many veterans who would attend the annual Remembrance Day service at the local school year after year.  One year, as a part of the service the school’s English teacher said, “Every year on this most special day he dons the blue beret and navy jacket adorned with medals – the recognition of his service, courage and bravery. He and his beloved wife make the journey down the hill to our school.  When they arrive, faces wreathed in smiles, they bring a card with a beautiful and thoughtful message of thanks and a gift for our students.”

As the grandson of Sam Barbour, Michael joined to honour his grandfather.  For many years he was able to proudly stand next to him, each of them in their Legion uniforms at remembrance events.  Now that Sam Barbour has passed away, Michael is actively involved as the President and Poppy Chair of his local branch in an effort to continue to commemorate his grandfather’s service.

Associate membership is open to any Canadian citizen or Commonwealth subject, as well as United States citizens, who is of federal voting age and who is not eligible for ordinary membership, and who:

• is the child, adopted child, stepchild, grandchild, sibling, niece, nephew, widow/er, parent, or spouse (as defined in these by-laws), of a person who is or was eligible to be an ordinary member;
• is the spouse, parent or sibling of an associate
• is the child of an associate member;
• served as a Cadet civilian instructor for not less than 3 years;
• served in The Royal Canadian Sea, Army or Air Cadets, for not less than 3 years;
• served as an officer in the Navy League of Canada, for not less than 2 years;
• served below the rank of officer, in the Polish Forces after WWII, and whose services were terminated under conditions other than dishonourable or for reasons of misconduct; or
• served in a city, municipal, volunteer, unorganized territories, provincial or federal Emergency Response Service for not less than one year.