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Legion’s screening of Passchendaele to commemorate Canada 150

April 13, 2017   ·   0 Comments

By Mike Pickford

The Orangeville Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting a special presentation of the 2008 war film Passchendaele on April 19 in a commemoration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.

Offered under the guise of National Canadian Film Day 150, the local legion will open its doors to 90 locals as it participates in one of the biggest coast-to-coast celebrations held in honour of the nation’s sesquicentennial – coming up on July 1. Over 1,700 organizations will be participating in the massive, one-day film festival which Darlane Rogers-Wardle, Public Relations Officer with the Orangeville Legion, described as a “special way” to remember those who helped Canada reach such a prestigious birthday.

“This is a great opportunity for the public to come together to both celebrate and learn about this country’s great history,” Ms. Rogers-Wardle told the Citizen. “We believe this is a significant, timely film that touches each of us tremendously. It’s also a nice chance for people to come into the Legion and see some of our great display cases and chat with some members about what we have to offer.”

Passchendaele is a tale of fiction inspired by true events surrounding the bloody battle of the same name during the First World War. Starring Paul Gross as lead character Sergeant Michael Dunne, the film was inspired by Mr. Gross’ real-life relationship with his maternal grandfather who fought in the war. Mr. Gross was later announced as the inaugural recipient of The Royal Canadian Legion’s Founder’s Award for his work in the film.

Admission for the event is free, while Ms. Rogers-Wardle indicated there would be a snack bar and various door prizes on offer throughout the evening. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on April 19, with the movie starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at the branch while supplies last. For more information, contact 519-942-2077.

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