Once again, the Qualicum Beach Legion is looking forward to receiving entries for the annual Literary and Poster Contest.
Through our longstanding tradition of the annual literary and poster contests during the Poppy Campaign, Canadian school children have an opportunity to express their understanding of the National Remembrance Day Service, and the act of honouring our military heritage through art and literature. Fostering Remembrance is a part of everything we do.
The contest is initiated through our schools who receive a teaching aid package from the Legion each September to assist teachers in guiding children through the contest elements. There are four age categories: Senior — grades 10, 11 and 12; Intermediate — grades 7, 8 and 9; Junior — grades 4, 5 and 6; and Primary (poster contest only) — grades 1, 2 and 3. The Poster Contest is divided into two divisions, colour and black and white. The Literary Contest is divided into essay and poem divisions. Students may enter as many contests as they wish, but may submit only one entry for each category.
The teaching guide is available at:
www.legion.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TeachingGuide_Jan2014_e.pdf.
The Qualicum Beach Legion youth chairman works with the schools to keep them advised of the entry deadline and judging dates. Initial judging takes place at the Branch in November. The winning entries progress to further judging at the zone, provincial and national levels. Qualicum Beach winners receive a monetary award and a Certificate of Participation. Judging Guidelines can be found at: http://www.legion.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/JudgingGuidelines_Form_2014_E.pdf.
The national winning entries, along with the names of the entrants, are published on line at www.legion.ca/youth/contests.
The winning entries for the four categories are displayed at the Canadian War Museum from July 1 to May 1 of the following year.
For the poster contest, the second place winners, and any receiving an honourable mention, are also displayed in the foyer of the House of Commons during the annual Remembrance period in November.
As well, the Legion sponsors a trip to Ottawa for the senior national winners in the four contests (black and white, and colour poster; essay; and poetry) to attend the National Remembrance Day Service where they place a wreath on behalf of the youth of Canada. They also have an opportunity to meet and visit with the governor general.
Last year we had 87 entries and we're looking forward to this year's entries.
"I encourage all students and teachers to participate in this very meaningful Legion Remembrance Contest," said Don Taylor, President of Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76. "This is an opportunity for young people to become aware of the Sacrifice that so many made so that we are able to enjoy the freedoms we have in today's society. Please take this opportunity to thank our many Veterans for their contribution."