Check the events page often as it is updated weekly or more often as necessary.
The Clarion Newsletter is published bi-monthly except July.
Sidney Museum Unit 302 welcomes all visitors and, members and their guests.
More News and story links can be found below. Enjoy!

Unit 302 Brief Closure

Club is now open again at 2:00 PM this afternoon 2021.01.07

Veteran's Affairs Canada (VAC)

Census 2021 – Veteran identifier question

Dear Stakeholders and Advisory Groups members,

I am pleased to let you know that the questions which will make up the 2021 Census are now public and will include a Veteran identifier question – the first since 1971. As Minister of Veterans Affairs, I was surprised to learn that there is no formal listing of Canadian military Veterans. This creates a significant information gap that hampers the ability to fully understand and respond to the needs of Canadian Veterans and their families. That is why Veterans Affairs Canada has been working closely with Statistics Canada and advocating for the inclusion of a Veteran identifier question on the national survey. We recently learned that these efforts had paid off - the 2021 national census will ask, “Have you ever served in the Canadian military?”. The addition of this question will provide the first truly accurate data on Canada’s Veteran population in 50 years. The data gathered from this survey will inform programs, supports and services for Canadian Veterans and their families for years to come. This is truly a victory that ensures those who serve our country no longer remain hidden from official statistics and gives us the opportunity to put the best supports in place that they so richly deserve. For the latest 2021 Census information and developments, I invite you to visit the Statistics Canada website The road to the 2021 Census. Sincerely, Lawrence MacAulay Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

We are offering online information sessions about My VAC Account. The focus of these sessions will be on ways to connect with VAC from your home; applying for benefits or services; setting up direct deposit; and showing you all the resources available in My VAC Account. Plus there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions. For details see this Veteran's Affairs Canada link

Sidney Unit 302 reopens

Please see the attached file for an update of Unit reopen rules dated July 27th as we must abide by the directiion of BC Health Authorities.

Dominion Convention 2020 Cancelled

Please see the attached file for the cancellation of the 2020 Dominion Convention and future places and dates.

75th Anniversary

Today May 8th, 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of Victory Europe (VE Day). We remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom today. Let’s also not forget those that did return to carry the torch and create the great Canada of today. It took 6 years to reclaim liberty to Europe. Please take 30 minutes of your time to view this video by Veterans Affairs Canada.

Lest We Forget
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=678106879650942

COVID-19

Please stay safe, stay home and stay healthy. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, we keep hearing, "wash your hands often", practice "Social Distancing" and "Stay Home". The emphasis is for prevention and protection of yourself and others. It's up to us as individuals, neighbours, friends and family to stay safe, stay home and stay healthy.

Here is a movie presentation of the Canada Day Colour Party 2019 and marchers courtesy of Jeanie Wight. Please note: It is a large file and will take a couple of minutes to download. Enjoy!

On October 25th, 2019 Sidney Unit 302 held their annual Halloween dance with The City Slickers band and many costumed members and guests. I've made up four collages for you. Enjoy! Page one! Page Two! Page Three! Page four!

100+ Years later

As November 11th, 2018 was 100 years after the end of the Armistice that was to mark the end of all wars, wars and conflict are still prevalent today. Each year, parades and ceremonies are held all over the world so that we carry the torch that was handed to us in memory of those who did not return as they will not die but will always be remembered. Closer to home are those that did return in distant past and most recently that are waging their own internal war. This song by Nova Scotian J. P. Cormier entitled "Hometown Battlefield" I think is apropo. Have a listen.

News Release April 16, 2019 - Ottawa - National Defence/ Canadian Armed Forces /Veterans Affairs Canada
The Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada release 2018 reports on suicide mortality https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2019/04/the-department-of-national-defence-and-veterans-affairs-canada-release-2018-reports-on-suicide-mortality.html
Sincerely,
Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach Team
Veterans Affairs Canada
vac.engagement.acc@canada.ca

Membership 2021

Please be advised that membership renewals are as listed below.
The 2021 membership dues are unchanged at:

	Active	Associate & Affiliate
Under 65	$50.00	$55.00
65 and over	$45.00	$50.00

When renewing your membership by mail please include your current membership card number so that we can match your renewal with the correct name. Also include any new address or telephone number if that has changed. Thank you in advance!

Cheques are to be made payable to ANAF Unit 302 and can be mailed to:
ANAF Unit 302
PO Box 2051
9831 Fourth Street
Sidney BC
V8L 3S3

Membership dues can also be paid by cash or cheque in the office or at the bar.
Thank you for renewing your 2020 membership and we hope to see you in the Club.

2021 Early Bird Draw

The Early Bird Draw for October 2021 was won by Randle Feilden. It was a $50 gift certificate for the Harbour House Chinese Restaurant in Sidney. The Early Bird Draw for November 2021 was won by Richard A. Smith. It was a $50 gift certificate for the Surly Mermaid Restaurant in Sidney. Congratulations to both winners. The December draw will be for a paid membership for 2021. It will be drawn in the new year.

2020 General Meeting for Elections

Please see the attached important information concerning the timing of the general meeting for elections of the Executive for 2020. In summary, in accordance with our new bylaws, there is no January Annual General Meeting. The general meeting for elections is now to be held on the first Sunday in February. For the year 2020, February 2nd will be the general meeting for the election and installation of the new Executive. The Annual General Meeting will be held in May in keeping with the rules for non-profit.
On behalf of Unit President Johanna Emerick

Contents

2021 Early Bird Draw