Annual Dinner 2016 - May 18 at the Owen Sound Legion

The deadline for purchasing tickets is getting closer - May 8 is the last date to purchase your ticket.

 It is going to be a full evening. From 5 to 6:30, come and enjoy the social hour, visiting, watching the slide show of the Polish soldiers who were here during the Second World War and visiting the book tables and displays. There may be a surprise or two.

 This year, the Historical Society will present two Heritage Certificates of Recognition. They will be presented to the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre for preserving and promoting the marine, rail and industrial history and to George Auer for his book, Soldiers of the Soil: Grey County Goes to War that preserves the military history of the county with a special focus on the First World War.

 Why were the Polish Soldiers in Owen Sound in 1941–1942? In 1939, the Nazis overran Poland on three sides. Poland, the first nation invaded in WWII, was not prepared to resist a German Army three times its size. On the 27th day of the war, out of ammunition, their country totally bombed and burned, and no water for five days, Poland surrendered; yet their men and women continued to resist. Unconquered in spirit, many men made their way to France where a Polish Army was reformed. Within a few months, 92,000 men fought in the Battle of France, continuing for seven days after the collapse of France. Some of these brave men then fought in the Battle of Narvik, until backed up in the fjords of Norway. General Sikorski flew to London and said to Churchill, “If you will come and get my men, we will fight for you.” Rescued, an independent army was formed in Scotland. 

In 1941, a Recruiting Station and Army Training Centre was established in Windsor and Owen Sound. Lisa Marie Murphy-Gemmill, a history major and researcher at the University of Western Ontario, will give a visual presentation entitled, “Poland Has Not Yet Perished: The story of the Polish Soldiers in Owen Sound”. Come and hear this little known history and its affects on the social life of a small Canadian town.

 5 pm -- Social Hour - Displays, Book Sales and also a Cash Bar
6:30 Roast Beef Dinner, (vegetarian option if requested at time of purchase)
 Presentation of Awards
Guest Speaker

Tickets $25.00 Must be purchased in advance, Payment to be received by May 8
Coordinator: Paula Niall – 519-372-0225