We Joined the Legion

We thought it would be a great summer job.

I was skinny AF.

When I was 17, my best friend, Stuart, and I signed up for the militia, joining the Cameron Highlanders, a unit that operated out of the Cartier Square Drill Hall, in downtown Ottawa. We started our basic training in the spring and were to continue with more rigorous training in the summer, as soon as high school was done.

A week before final exams, however, I broke a leg whilst playing soccer and ended up in a full-leg cast for the summer. My accident happened the day after I discovered that I was really enjoying my time in Canada's reserve armed forces. I'd have to settle for Stuart telling me, "I threw a hand grenade today," or, "I fired a submachine gun!"

Yeah, I was envious.

After the summer was over, Stuart left the Cameron Highlanders, so I felt no desire to re-join. And anyway, it was shortly after my recovery that I started experiencing pain in both feet, acquiring a condition that would have disqualified me from serving, anyway.

In retrospect, a life in the military wasn't for me. I didn't have the mindset and would have made a lousy soldier. But I have a deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who defend our great country.

Late last year, my karaoke friends invited DW and me to join them for an event at the legion hall in Bells Corners, less than 20 minutes from my home. The karaoke company, Shine, is well-known throughout the karaoke community, so I looked to be a great evening.

It was excellent. The legion hall has a huge space and great acoustics, and the drinks were inexpensive. We met some great people, including a few retired soldiers.

When we learned that the legion was going to host a Christmas karaoke night, DW and I happily said, "count us in!" It attracted even more people, with more than 15 people at our table, alone.

At one point in the evening, one of the legion members addressed the room, saying that the turnout for the event surpassed the legion's expectations, and that he would see if he could organize a monthly karaoke night. When asked if the crowd would like that, we all cheered loudly.

The former soldier then asked if we would consider joining the legion to help support it, and many of us raised our hands. Within a half hour, 12 people, including DW and myself, had filled in the paperwork.

As of January 5, we've been members of the Bells Corners Legion Branch 593.

I pledged that when a karaoke night was announced, I would promote the event on The Brown Knowser. So far, no karaoke night has been presented on the legion's Web site but I'm keeping my eyes peeled and ears open.

Hopefully, it won't be announced while DW and I are in Costa Rica, which happens in only three days.

I'm curious to see what being a member of the legion entails. I never got to serve for long in the Cameron Highlanders but maybe this membership will show that I still support those who do.

Happy Monday!