Northern Alberta Second World War veteran marks 77 years as legion member

A Grande Prairie veteran says joining the legion was "the thing to do" when he returned from the Second World War at age 20. 

Bill Bessent, 97, has been a member of Grande Prairie Royal Canadian Legion #54 for 77 years.

He recalls being told he was too young to enter a beer parlour after returning to Canada from overseas. 

"So the next day I came over with the uniform on … and I never heard any more about being old enough," Bessent said in an interview with CBC News. 

Bessent, a Royal Canadian Air Force Distinguished Flying Medal recipient, said he joined the legion for a sense of comradery after suffering loss. His identical twin, Bob, died while returning from an air mission over Berlin in December 1943. 

The brothers from Grande Prairie had joined the air force together to fight in the Second World War at 17 years old. 

"By this time I'd lost my brother … So it was just one of those things you wanted to do," Bessent said. 

The veteran recalls attending his twin brother's funeral, and shortly after, flying to Berlin as his brother did days prior. 

"I said, if my crew goes, I'm going."

Brad Lewis, Grande Prairie legion president, said Bessent's length of service is an amazing accomplishment. 

"If we can get more volunteers like that, we'll be successful in doing what we need to do here," Lewis said. 

Lewis said the legion encourages as many veterans as possible to join. He said it's important to keep memories alive and to support those who have served. 

"It's up to the younger veterans now to start stepping in," Lewis said. 

Bessent said his legion visits have slowed down with his recent health issues, but the organization is still important to him. 

"If I was not in here, I'd be over at the legion," Bessent said from the supportive care facility where he lives. 

In March, Bessent was presented with a quilt from Quilt of Valour, an organization that recognizes veterans who are ill or injured.

Bessent, a former president of the Grande Prairie branch, is set to be honoured for his commitment to the organization at an event next month.