By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Legion of Honour – the six-part docu-series that will feature an episode shot in Cobourg last November – is now streaming on Bell Fibe TV1.
The one-hour episodes will capture the voices of veterans, volunteers and local leaders to showcase how Legion members and the wider community preserve the tradition of Remembrance – in one episode, as told through those involved with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 133 in Cobourg.
“Cobourg Branch 133 is the fastest-growing Legion in Canada,” Eelay Media Associate Producer Deb Hulme said last fall.
“As civilians are welcome to become members, it has become a community hub offering daily activities from organized card tournaments, competitive or casual darts, billiards, or simply a welcome place to meet and greet.”
Hulme announced plans to talk with Cobourg’s oldest surviving vet, 94-year-old James “Jimmy” Keeler and to profile the King Street Banner program, the Legion’s award-winning Pipes and Drums band, the service of Fern Blodgett Sunde (the first woman wireless operator during the war, now memorialized with a statue at the waterfront) and how the Legion gives back to the community.
In addition to the veterans’ services funded by their annual Poppy Campaign, the Legion has raised $52,000 through its own lotteries, meat draws and special events to support the community through – for example – priority equipment for Northumberland Hills Hospital. Hulme also said that they are the second-largest supporter of youth sports in the area.
As the Branch nears its 100th anniversary, members remain dedicated to preserving local stories and deepening their long-standing commitment to veterans, their families and their communities.
“Legion Branch 133 is deeply proud and very grateful to have been the focus of Bell Fibe’s amazing new Legion of Honour series,” Branch president Janet Kyle said in the announcement.
“The inspiring stories of our veterans, membership, volunteers, services and community have truly touched us all. Each segment has its own value, lifting remembrance, valour and dignity, with a look ahead to the bright future of Branch 133 in Cobourg.”
“Eelay Media and Cobourg Media are thrilled to have partnered on such a beautiful series honouring Cobourg Legion Branch 133,” Eelay President Mark Johnston said.
“The history, sacrifice and service here locally made an incredible series to share with TV1 viewers.”
“The stories of our veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces are a source of inspiration for us all,” added Cobourg Media Executive Producer Graham Beer.
“I believe Canadians will be moved to learn more and support their local Legion branch.”
The series was commissioned by Bell FibeTV1 as part of their mandate to tell local stories from small towns. For more information, visit bell.ca/fibetv1 and follow the series on Instagram @legionofhonourseries. You can watch it only on Bell Fibe TV channel 1 and the Fibe TV app.
