Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Mr. Gerald B. MacKenzie, a Veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy, served 25 years and retired at the rank of Warrant Officer in 1980. Mr. MacKenzie has been a member with The Royal Canadian Legion branch 155 Wedgeport since 2001. He has worked on several committees as well as served as the branch Chaplain for two years. During his tenure as the branch Chaplain, he recruited members to form a choir which would go to visit the sick Veterans and entertain them with period songs.
In 2013 Mr. MacKenzie was appointed as President of the Branch and this at a time when the branch was failing financially, decreased membership and was expected to fold if nothing could be done to reinvigorate its membership. With new fundraising ideas such as the Poppy Fund, breakfasts, take-out suppers, Lest We Forget Lotto 300 and Chase the Ace, the operational budget of the branch has increased from $10K in 2013 to well over $100K in 2017. He has challenged the current members to a membership drive in the bid to increase the number of members. He has promoted the Legion as well as the membership drive on local radio and it has proven successful - thirty-nine new members have joined/transferred to the Branch.
Mr. MacKenzie is a strong advocate for Veterans Week, attends all Remembrance Week activities organized by local schools and churches and organizes the Legion service as well.