Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25

JUNE 2017 DISPATCHRoyal Canadian Legion Br. 25

96 Great Northern RdSault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 4Y5

Phone: 705-945-8721Fax: 705-945-6372

Ladies Auxiliary: 705-256-2941Lounge: 705-256-6921

E-mail: rclbranch25@shawbiz.caWebsite: www.branch25rcl.org

Korea Parade – Friday June 23, 2017 – 7PM at the locks1

Plant a Wooden Poppy June 6th

June 6, 1944D-Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY

E. M. Forster said: “Unless we Remember, we cannot understand”

President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wilma Oliver

This being my first of many reports to our “Dispatch”, I want to first and foremost thank you our members for your support at our election last month. I am humbled and honoured that you have elected me to be your President.I sincerely believe in the “Purposes and Objects” of the Royal Canadian Legion, our Mission Statement to ‘SERVE VETERANS, EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL, THEIR DEPENDANTS, THE COMMUNITY AND CANADA.’I am very excited to be working with an Executive Committee of the calibre that you have chosen from our ranks.As I’m sure you are all aware, we have some trying times ahead of us With costs rising and participation in our events waving, it is absolutely necessary to make some changes here in order to maintain our facility. Your support and help are required in order for us to succeed.THIS IS YOUR LEGION. It is not run by the President, or the executive. You (we) the members make all the final decisions about this Branch. Your atendance at our monthly meetings is your opportunity to have a voice in our Legion. I hope you will continue to give your full support, help and guidance to your new executive. It is

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equally important that you support the Branch in the community at every opportunity.If you have any concerns or suggestions, please bring them to me. My office door is always open. Leave a note in my mailbox if I’m not here, I will get back to you.Thanks again for your support, past and future. Let’s work together to enliven the spirit of Comradeship here at the Branch.

Past President’s Report – Respectfully submitted by Wayne Paulencu

This is my last report as President.To start with I attended at the Armory, the 2310 Army Cadet Annual Inspection and gave out the Legion Medal of Excellence to Sgt. Cassandra Breckenridge.On the 14th. I attended 155 Air Cadet Borden Gray Annual Inspection and gave out the Legion Medal of Excellence to Sgt. Ken Edwards.On the 19th we held our Branch Honours and Awards and swore in the new Executive Board. Zone Commander Sandy Ross was guest of honour and there were about 75 people in attendance. There are 5 new people on the Executive this year, with new ideas and they will be looking for co-chairs as they go along.This has been quite a learning experience. I found some of my qualities were good, some not so good. There were lots of uphill battles and there was time to goof off.Last year was one of the worst starts in the fiscal year, with costs going up, it was hard to keep our head above water. The Ladies Auxiliary found it hard as well and it was reflected in their donation to the branch.

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Our Poppy campaign was a good one; not quite as strong as the previous year, but every campaign is a good campaign.To the new members, I want to stress that your help is needed on the main floor. In the poem “Flanders Field” one line stands out:“we must pick up the torch les we break faith with those who died, the young ones have gotten old and past on, now we are the young ones.”The Legion is only as strong and good as its members, so I challenge each and every one of you – pick up the torch and make this Legion strong again.On May 11th., 2017 Linda Lundhild, representing the Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 25 and myself were in attendance at the F.J. Davey home to present a cheque for: $4,944. The cheque was to purchase two portable units that take blood pressure, oxygen readings, and temperature. This allows more time for patient care.Did you know? The “Davey Home” has more beds than their Community Hospital but gets less funding and is also regulated under the Long Term Care Act of 2007. Since 2004, this amazing facility has had to rely on donations and fundraising. A very worthy group of nurses and staff were on hand to show their appreciation to the Legion, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Charitable Foundations.

L-RCindy Manitowabi, RPN; Krista McClelland, RPN; Tara Bortolon, RPN; Erika Wagner, PSW; Linda

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Lundhild, RCL Branch 25 Ladies Aux. rep; Cathy Diotte, PSW; Wayne Paulencu, President Branch 25; Jane Mason, RN; and Kerry Hamilton, RPN and Infection Control Educator.

FJ. Davey Home mission is to provide quality services in a caring and responsible manner within the available resources. Barbara Harten, Executive Director/Administrator states: Our Vision is that each resident enjoys safe, effective and responsible care to help them achieve their desired quality of life. Lastly our values are resident-centred care, dignity, respect, teamwork, workplace safety and accountability. Our primary focus is to be a voice for the residents who live with us.There are so many myths and misconceptions regarding the long term cre sector, it is time to educate our Community of the unique professionalism and dedication held by our staff who have chosen to care for the elderly. FJ Davey Home has 374 beds, approximately 500 staff, over 170 volunteers, the Alzheimer day Program, Meals on Wheels Program and the White Pines Field School all under one roof.

Another great donation from the Poppy Fund:

On May 26, the Poppy Committee and Comrade Ron Rouleau attended at St. Vincent Place on Albert St. and gave a donation of over $10,764.83 to purchase commercial refrigerators and a commercial washer and dryer. Mr. Nat Cicchelli, General Manager of St. Vincent Place (centre) and Chairman of the Board Mr. Vince

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LaRue were on hand to accept the cheque and were most welcoming of the funds since the shelter and soup kitchen house many Veterans (men only) with food and shelter and any medial/mental health issues they may have. Kudos to St. Vincent Place – a true charitable organization.

L-R

Comrade Elane Turner; Comrade Ann Robichaud; Chairman of the Board St. Vincent Place, Vince LaRue;

General Manager, St. Vincent Place, Nat Cicchelli; Comrade Past-President and Poppy Chair Wayne Paulencu’ Comrade Gwen Dinsdale; Comrade and 2nd

Vice President Ron Rouleau.There was a terrific arcticle on sootoday.com for those wishing to read it, go to: https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/donation-will-buy-new-equipment-for-sault-mens-shelter-627889. (copy and paste in your browser). There were some terrific public comments as well.

Membership – Respectfully submitted by 1 st . Vice-President Ernie Bremner

*The following are excerpts from the Legion Magazine:

Canada went to war in 1950 because North Korea’s invasion of South Korea was a clear affront to the

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principles of the still-fledgling United Nations and was viewed as a potential stepping stone to more serious confrontation in Eastern Europe.In fact, for decades it wasn’t considered a war at all, but a “police action,” long a sore point with veterans of the conflict who knew the truth.On the Korean Peninsula, ruled by Japan from 1910 until the last days of the Second World War, this meant the division of Korea along the 38th parallel.Now, almost 70 years later, some of the players and most of the dynamics have changed.Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, wanted to re-unify the country. While Kim Jong-un still wants to reunify the Koreas, his major concern seems to be agitating the Americans.….The implications of war on the Korean Peninsula then and now are vastly different, and principally lie in two key factors: South Korea’s thriving economy and North Korea’s military capabilities, which are believed to include short-to-medium-range nuclear missles that could hit cities and U.S. military bases throughout the region.To read the whole story, check out the Legion Magazine – Korea, the Forgotten War.

Please join us at the Sault Locks on Friday June 23rd. Parade step off at 7 PM to honour our Korea Veterans.

WWII VETS

Attention All WWII Veterans of Sault Ste. Marie

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From 2014-2020, Canada is marking the 75th anniversary of significant milestones in the Second World War. A commemorative pin and a certificate of recognition has been produced for those Veterans who served in all branches of the services during World War II (1939-1945), in recognition of their dedication and service.The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 is organizing a dinner to recognize the City of Sault Ste. Marie’s surviving Veterans and present them with the pin and certificate. This dinner is scheduled for Saturday September 23, 2017. We are requesting that all Sault Ste. Marie WWII Veterans contact the Legion, Branch 25 office at 705-945-8721 NO LATER THAN AUGUST 18 TH ., 2017 to register for this event. We will require the Veterans name, service number, the years they served and contact information.The cost of the dinner for the Veteran and one person to escort them will be paid by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25. This is available to Sault Ste. Marie WWII Veterans, regardless if they are a Legion member or not. Tickets may be available to other people intrested in attending the dinner, which will be determined after all the Veterans have registered for the event.We consider it an honour to help pay homage to our Veterans.

Membership Report – Respectfully submitted by Helen Stewart

First and foremost let me thank my nominator and the people who voted for me. It is truly an honour and a privelege to be part of this amazing organizations and I pledge to you that I will continue to do my best and utmost

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in any and all roles that our esteemed President so directs. Thank-you again.

Treasurer’s Report – respectfully submitted by Carol Piper

Good news for our banquet room renters. Along with our already really reasonably priced hall, if you book both your stag & doe; doe & doe; or stag & stag AND your wedding here at the Branch, we will give you one free hall rental. Of course there are conditions that apply:a) Must have ladies cateringb) Must have an alcohol barc) Must pay for both up front and when the wedding is

done and there is no damage to our hall, we will return your hall rental fee.

Along with the BOGO, there is sensational ladies cooking with a varied menu and THE most reasonable prices. Give us a try – hall rental prices vary:With the ladies catering and an alcohol bar hall cost is $170 (all taxes in). That includes set up/tear down/clean up and the bartenderRemember also, you can be married in the hall just before your reception if you wish – we can supply names for decorators or officiants. Give us a call 705-945-8721 and spread the word.

Also,

i) We have recently started taking bookings for Sundays. If you have a shower you want done or a small event, the hall cost is only $170 (all in)

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ii) We have a small board room (~10-15 persons) that we book all the time for meetings – there is no charge for this hall, but we do accept donations.

iii) We do Celebration of Life events here. When you use our Lounge area there is no charge. You can bring in your own food or have the Ladies cater, we will set up tables as you require, the bar is open and the coffee is always on. Come and celebrate your loved one in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Now, the bad news!

Sadly with the new tax on alcohol, the increased cost of all alcohol and beer and the 3 minimum wage increases over the past 4 years, ALL of our bar prices will be increased – some more significantly than others, of July 1, 2017, We are sorry to do this, however, we cannot absorb these increases any longer. We realize that this is not a popular decision, but it is one that is necessary.

Thank-you for your understanding.

Secretary Report Respectfully submitted by Mary Anne Martin

On June 17th., 2017, we will be hosting a 50th Anniversary of when Branch 25 officially opened the present site.

We will have artifacts on display which pertain to this era of the Legion.

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We will also be dedicating the Board Room as the “Marilyn Patterson Board Room” at 2 PM.

As part of the celebration, there will be a pot luck luncheon in the lounge and a dance in the evening. The Legion Band will also be doing a concert.

There is still some fine tuning to do but will keep you informed as we go.

Sick & Visiting

At present we have 109 Veterans and spouses we visit in the six nursing and retirement homes, each receiving a treat bag, magazine and birthday card (if we know their birth date). Also, we have two people in the hospital with broken hips, they also receive a visit from us.

A great big thank you goes out to Elizabeth MacKenzie for a box of legion blue gift bags that she donated to the sick and visiting committee. Also gift bags were donated by other members which are greatly appreciated.

Entertainment

Karaoke is still going on throughout the summer, every Friday night from 9 – 1

Friday night pool league is still at 7 p.m. If you wish to play, just come out Fridays

Saturday is free pool from noon until 6 PM

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The Saturday night dances will continue throughout the summer due to popular demand. The donation box continues to do well each week, these funds help to pay for the bands.

Saturday Entertainment for June in the Lounge from 8 PM – 11 PM is listed as follows:

3rd. – Full Circle10th – Dusty Roads17th – Dusty Roads

24th – Nostalgia Live

Wednesday Nights are Jam nights – tuning at 8 – music at 9 – bring out your instrument and sing along with the gang in a ‘fire pit’ setting (even though there isn’t a fire pit) Geoff and the gang will welcome you.

The horseshoe league has begun and is open to everyone – not competitive – just come out and enjoy Tuesday nights at 7.

DON’T MISS THIS AMAZING FIDDLER

Scott Woods (fiddler) will be returning to the Branch on June 19th. Tickets are on sale now in the office or through the bar. Great family entertainment. There will be refreshments for purchase before and after the show – but not during the show. Cost is $25/adult and $15/child.

Seniors’ Program

The carpet bowlers are continuing throughout the summer on Monday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30. This is a good

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time to join in if you have been thinking about bowling. They have the time to assist you. The Wednesday afternoon dances closed off May 17th with a grand finale dance/dinner. The carpet bowlers, members of the sick and visiting team joined in on the dancing and dinner.

The third annual classic car show and BBQ is set for July 8th., 2017. Included this year are horseshoe games, ring toss, and bean bag toss. Also, Nostalgia Live will be playing and hopefully some people will do street (driveway) dancing. Remember, this is a fundraiser for both the Legion and ARCH.

Regular Entertainment

Monday 8:00 p.m. – band practice upstairs – everyone welcome

Pint & Nacho days (Tues/Thurs/Saturday) buy a 20 oz. glass of your favourite draught beverage and get Nachos with cheese for $7.

Ladies Auxiliary Bingo every Thursday at 1:00 PM – try the new “Balls” game (last game June 29th)

Thursday 3:00 P.M. – Meat draw in the lounge - $1/spin. Vouchers won for either City Meat Market or Scale Meats

Cenotaph Report – Respectfully submitted by Bill Bennett

Biker Night

We were hoping to start May 1st., but the weather did not co-operate. We will be running our Biker Coffee Night

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under the canopy from 7PM – 9PM every Monday night (weather permitting)This is the fourth year we have been doing this and it is received very well.Coffee is 50 cents – everyone welcome. This includes all motorcycles, past riders, e-bike riders. Looking forward to another successful season.H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) has been kind enough to donate the funds to purchase two more picnic tables for your comfort – more seating. We wish to thank this group for their continued support – it is much appreciated.

Ernie Bremner Sue Jones and Wilma Oliver

At 2017 Poppy planting

Wooden Poppies

Tuesday June 6th (D-Day) was the day we

‘planted’ our wooden poppies in the side ‘garden’ and they look terrific. We thank everyone who could make it to our ceremony and planted their poppies and to all of you who purchased a poppy this year or last, again thank-you. This is a great little fundraiser for the Branch and they honour everyone – member, veteran or not.

The poppies are $10 each and will be personalized with the name of the person/group you wish to remember. These can be left here in the ‘garden’ or taken to

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gravesites – whatever you wish to do. Call the office at 705-945-8721 to order your poppy.

Our wooden poppies have grown in popularity so much that Branch 374 has asked us for our template so that they can do the same thing on the Island.

If other Branches want to do the same, please let us know – there are no copyright/infringement problems, we will be happy to share. They look good!

Again, thank-you to Bill Stewart for cutting out the poppies and to Dawne Schryer for painting them. We currently don’t have a designated name printer so if someone is good at calligraphy, could they please contact us.

Cadet Report – Respectfully submitted by Pierre Breckenridge

2310 ARMY CADETS 69 TH . ANNUAL REVIEW

“Leadership is not a destination. It’s a journey”

Shoes were shined and uniforms were pressed as the 2310 Army Cadets marched through their 69th. Annual Review. The Annual Review is THE most important event of the army cadet training year. On May 1st. Major Pascale Crepault-Breckenridge, who was also a cadet in Montreal growing up; held various positions including Governor Generals Food Guards in Ottawa; and was the first female Commanding Officer of

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2310 Royal Canadian Army Cadets Corps was the Reviewing Officer.The audience was treated to performance by the 155 Air Cadets & 2310 Army Combined Pipes and Drums and Highland Dancers. The Drill Team with Arms also performed a concise and synchronized routine. Both will be heading to the NOA Band and Drill Competition in North Bay.The 2310 Army Cadet Corps meets Monday nights at 6:30 pm st the Sault Armoury (375 Pine St.) It is for boys and girls aged 12-18 and it is free to join. New recruits are welcome to attend any Monday night. To learn more about Army Cadets and opportunities with challenging experiences while learning to become future leaders visit: www.cadets.ca

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155 Borden Gray Air Cadet 75 th Annual Review

The Annual Review took place on Saturday May 6th., 2017 at the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury to mark their 75 year anniversary.Col. Nishika Jardine, CD Deputy Commandant, Canadian Forces College, and former 155 Air Cadet, was this year’s Reviewing Officer. With 35 years of distinguished service in the Canadian Armed Forces, Col. Nishika Jardine began her military career in the Soo in 1982.MP Terry Sheehan presented the Squadron a Canadian Peace Flag that flew in the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill. The average wait time is 63 years for this flag request to be honoured says Sheehan.In 1941, the Air Cadet League of Canada was formed to train you men while providing an interest and training in

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aviation and good citizenship. The 155 Sault Ste. Marie Squadron was formed in 1942 and was made up of boys aged 14-18.Women were officially admitted to the Air Cadet League of Canada in 1975. The 155 Air Cadets admitted female members to the squadron in 1973.

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LAST POST – WE WILL REMEMBER THEM(to date of printing)

Veteran Dr. J.B. ScarrattComrade/Veteran and Past President

Gord KellyVeteran Gerald Wilson

June Veteran Birthdays

John Zorzi, Ruby Farmer, K.M. Gagnon, R.C. Lavallee, C.G. Taylor, F.W.E. Curtis, H.C. Godson, Peter Smith, Paul Paolini

MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY

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Did You Know?

a) In case of a blackout, a crayon will burn for 30 minutes.

b) A recent study has found that women who carry a little extra weight live longer than the men who mention it.

c) The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream.

d) I hate it when I see an old person and then realize that we went to school together.

May Monthly Draw Winners

$2000 – Jaime McMillan – Ticket #8143$1000 – Shannon McLeod – Ticket #5625

$500 – Chuck Peer – Ticket #4023CONGRATULATIONS!!

May 2017 winners of calendar lottery

Heather & Clint Baic, Debra Fitzgerald, Marty White, Mel Findlay, Tom & Nancy Worthing, Gisella Servant, Emilio Andreola, Phillis Whalen, Stephanie Sammon, Michael & Christine Applejohn, Terry Hunt, Kurt Schryer & Angela Parker, Shannon Aubertin, Patsy MacRoberts, Tony Taylor, Aron Byers, Winnifred McLarty, Sarah Lowe, Sarah & Josh Mansfield, Max Trick, Con & Linda Garrett, Bill Huckson, Carol Simmons, Donald Badgero, Donald Rioux, Lori Edwards, Kyle & Sarah Lappage, Steve Rattray, Jim Huckson,

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Margaret McMillan Caledon, Dana Burns, Jack & Henrietta Callam, Ellen & John Manzo

Upcoming Special Events

Pasta Fundraiser is on for Wednesday June 21st.$10/adult - $5/child (5-10 years) – Children under 5 are free.All you can eat regular or whole wheat pasta, salad, bread, tea/coffee and bread. Desserts are available to purchase

Pancake Breakfast is on Sunday June 25th from 9:30 a.m. – Noon. Cost is $10/adult - $5/child (5-10 years) – children under 5 are free. Includes all you can eat pancakes w/ St. Joe’s maple syrup, breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs and fruit, coffee/tea/juice/milk.This will be our last pancake breakfast until September 24th. Thank-you all for the support, have a great summer and we’ll see you around the Branch.

CANADA’S 150 TH Since this is Canada’s 150th birthday, wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate the country our veterans have fought for by having a “Legion” Float in the Community Day Parade? If anyone would like to help with this endeavour, or know someone with a truck and/or a flatbed we could use, please call us at the office 705-945-8721

Wheelchair/walker loans.Often wonder why the Branch no longer accepts wheelchairs, walkers and the like. We used to take them,

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fix them if they needed repair and lend them out to those who needed them.Well some time ago, it was decided here that due to the liability issue, we could no longer carry on with this service.Well apparently according to the Toronto Sun on June 1, 2017 Branch 43 in Oshawa has had to do the same – it’s a shame really, but…………..

DON’T FORGET WE STILL COLLECT

1. Pop Tabs: Every tab you bring in is gratefully received. Please continue to bring them. 2. Pop cans for the Shriners to compact and sell the scrap metal for donations to their hospital projects.3. ***Campbell Soup Company has stopped the practice of collecting soup labels. Thank-you to all who contributed in the past.***4. Canadian Tire Money is used for the children’s Christmas Party.5. Used eyeglasses are shipped to third world countries.6. Lock City Milk Bags . This project is really growing!. At $0.05 per bag, we are doing well. All of the money must be used for youth activities so we basically use it for our children’s Christmas party. Keep those bags coming in!! We can only recycle Lock City Milk bags, all other brands are discarded.

GOLF CARDS

Here’s a thought – think GOLF!! Think helping the Military Family Support Group here in the city –

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purchase a Golf Card for $15. There are deals from: Silver Creek, The Jewel - Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island), Sault Ste. Marie Golf Course, Root River, Hessel, Black Lake, Cheboygan, Huron Pines, Indian River, Newberry, St. Ignac, Stone Ridge (Elliot Lake), Tanglewood, The Oaks and the Rock at Drummond Island.Great value – go golfing and help out at the same time.

If there is anything you would like to see in the Dispatch, please contact the Office, leave your suggestion and we can see if it will fit. If any Branch of the Military (cadets and family support group included) would like us to advertise something in our Dispatch – please do not hesitate to ask.

We are here to serve our Veterans, Members and our Community – please help us to do that.

The following is a list of our new Executive - without input from our members, we will only stagnate. Congratulations to our new Executive and thank-you for your service to those who are not returning.

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2017-2019 Officers/Executive & Committee Chair

President – Wilma OliverPast President & Poppy Chair – Wayne Paulencu

1st. Vice/ Sgt. @ Arms & Honours & Awards and T.OD. – Ernie Bremner

2nd. Vice – Ron Rouleau – Service Officer & Museum Curator

3rd. Vice – Wm. Bennett – Cenotaph & Donation Review Secretary – Mary Anne Martin – Srs/Entertainment/Sick

& VisitingTreasurer – Carol Piper

Youth Education – Pat VardyBranch Padre(s) Rev. Phil Miller

Capt. Pat VardyMrs. Helen Smith

Bar Chair – Lucas McFaddenBuilding & Mtce. – Rick Pihlaja

Bursary – Warren PihlajaMembership – Helen Stewart

PRO – Debbie RouleauTrack & Field – Pierre Breckenridge

Sports – Rick PihlajaBurial – Elane Turner

If there is anything any one of us can do, please do not hesitate to contact the office (705-945-8721).The Legion is here to help, please help us to do that.

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