Members enjoy active relaxation during ANAVETS Convention in Lennoxville
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
At Lennoxville’s ANAVETS Unit 318, the annual tradition of camaraderie and competition continued on Sept. 10 as part of the 56th biennial convention. Brady Smith, the president of Unit 318, welcomed members from across Canada for a time of well-earned relaxation after several days of heavy meetings.
“They always do a sports afternoon,” said Smith in an interview on the scene. “They play cribbage, pool, darts, shuffleboard, and even horseshoes outside if needed. It’s a camaraderie thing—you get to meet new people from different provinces and play the sport. It’s a lot of fun in the afternoon, especially after all the meetings that can get pretty heavy.”
The convention, which hosted more than 170 attendees, included speeches from Veterans Affairs Canada, the American Legion, and the Atlas Institute, which provides care for veterans. Though much of the convention involved resolutions and discussions, Smith highlighted the importance of advocating for veterans. “We’re a veterans support organization, 100 per cent,” Smith emphasized, noting that although many resolutions were discussed, the focus remains on supporting veterans across Canada.
Don Fisher and Don Hinse, members of the Sidney, B.C., Unit 302, were among the attendees enjoying the event at “The Hut,” the nickname for the Lennoxville ANAVETS building. Fisher, reflecting on the convention, noted, “All business, you know… but it’s nice to step into the light and come here afterwards. We really enjoy it so far.”
For Hinse, it was his fourth convention in the last 20 years, and he marveled at the Lennoxville unit’s offerings. “I love this unit. They’ve got a beautiful museum,” he remarked, adding that his unit in Sidney also boasts a museum, but it’s not quite as large. Despite the years of attending conventions across Canada, both Fisher and Hinse found Sherbrooke’s gathering measured up well.
With awards and elections scheduled for the following day, the members took advantage of the time to relax and reconnect before concluding their time at the convention.
Amidst the discussions and resolutions, the convention in Lennoxville offered attendees a chance to decompress and reconnect—a vital component of their service to each other and their country. “After all the meetings, it’s a nice release for everybody, and it’s all about camaraderie,” Smith reiterated, emphasizing the importance of the gathering in fostering strong bonds among veterans across the country.
