Lively veterans and the Lively Legion history

 

The history of the veterans and the Legion is deeply intertwined with the development of the Lively and Waters/Walden community.

While a specific, detailed history of Lively Legion Branch 569 (which is now actually Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564 in Lockerby/Sudbury, but serves the wider area, as the Lively area branch has been amalgamated or had a different number originally) is not immediately available,

History of Veterans and the Legion in Lively/Walden

1. The Post-War Boom and Community Foundation (1940s-1950s)

Lively itself was a planned company town, built by Inco starting in 1950, primarily to house workers for the nearby Creighton Mine. This period was right after the Second World War (WWII), when a huge number of veterans were returning home and integrating into civilian life.

• Veterans as Pioneers: Many of the “pioneer settlers” of Lively and the surrounding Waters Township (which later formed part of Walden) would have been WWII veterans looking for stable work and modern housing provided by the mining company.
• Active Community Members: We know of at least one significant veteran, Gerald “Gerry” Wagner (a WWII veteran who served in Europe), who settled in the area, worked for Inco for 34 years, and was an active community member, serving on the Walden Cemetery Board and as an elder at Trinity United Church in Lively.

2. The Role of the Royal Canadian Legion

The main branch serving this area is often referenced as Lockerby Royal Canadian Legion Branch 564. It plays a critical role in supporting veterans across the greater southwestern Sudbury area, including Lively and Walden.

• Establishment: The Lockerby Legion Branch 564 was established in the Spring of 1957, meeting initially in a private home with twenty-two prospective members. This timing aligns perfectly with the growth of the new towns like Lively and the surrounding Waters Township.
• Community Need: The rapid formation and growth of the Legion in the area reflected the need for a dedicated space for returning service members to find camaraderie, support, and advocacy for their benefits.
• Resilience: The Branch experienced hardship (such as a destructive fire in 1969), but its membership, including the active Ladies Auxiliary, showed immense community resilience to rebuild and continue its mission.

3. The Enduring Legacy of Remembrance 

The primary function of the Legion is to promote Remembrance and support veterans and their families.

• Remembrance: The veterans of the Lively/Walden area, through the Legion, ensure that the sacrifices of all Canadian service members, from WWI and WWII to modern conflicts, are never forgotten through annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and community education.
• Community Support: The Legion’s activities have expanded over the decades to include youth programs, local community support, and providing care and financial assistance to veterans and their dependents.

Connecting This History to the 75th Anniversary

As we plan the Lively 75th Anniversary, recognizing the veterans and the local Legion is essential:

• Historical Display: we could create a small display featuring photos or artifacts from local WWII veterans who settled in Lively.
• Legion Participation: Ensure the local Legion has a prominent role in any opening ceremony or dedication, perhaps involving a colour party or a moment of silence led by the Branch President.