Aging Vernon Legion looking for new leadership

Tuesday night might be a pivotal moment for the future of the Vernon Legion Branch.

It’s holding executive elections but is having trouble finding people to fill all the positions, leaving the path forward for the group uncertain.

Vernon is not the only branch struggling to attract younger members as traditional veterans age.

Outgoing Vernon president, Ron Heuman, estimates the average member at his branch is in their early-80s.

In Vernon the branch no longer has the money to maintain its own legion hall so instead they rent an office space.

“Legions are suffering across the country,” said Heuman.

“It’s unfortunate. The demographics tell us that our traditional veterans are in their late-80s and early-to mid-90s and our modern veterans are unable to for various reasons step up and fill the gap.”

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There is concern some positions might not be filled including the job of president.

“No one has come forward,” said Heuman.

What will happen to the once busy Vernon Branch if it can’t find that leadership is unclear.

“If we can’t find a new president or a first vice or a second vice, we will have to go to BC/Yukon Command and look for further direction.”

In Peachland the average age of members is over 75.

However, the president is adamant that legions shouldn’t be left to fade out of sight as the traditional membership ages.

“I’ve worked too long and too hard and so have our members to have that happen,” said Peachland Branch president Jean Saul.

“I’m hoping that we can instill in our members and our community that it is important that we continue to survive in this community.”

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You don’t have to be a veteran to join a local Legion Branch. The organization is hoping younger people will take up the call.

“We support our communities. Not only do we support our veteran’s dependents but we support our youth, our seniors,” said Saul.

However, the Legion will need new members to provide the same community services and social support for years to come.

Among other things, Okanagan Legion Branches work on Remembrance Day ceremonies, support veterans and fundraise for the community.