New Hamburg Legion members recognized for exceptional service

Two Royal Canadian Legion Branch 532 New Hamburg members were recognized for their exceptional service to the Legion. Gerry Eichler (left) was awarded life membership and Robert (Bob) Berg (right) was given the Palm Leaf Award. Contributed photo

By Amanda Nelson

This year, two Royal Canadian Legion Branch 532 New Hamburg members, Gerry Eichler and Robert (Bob) Berg, were recognized for their exceptional service to the Legion.

Eichler, a Legion member since 1974, was awarded life membership for his extensive community service, including coaching, umpiring and significant contributions to the Legion’s executive and committees.

Eichler is one of only eight life members out of 335 total members. He is known as a man who can repair just about anything and has supported the Legion with cribbage, euchre and darts tournaments, demonstrating outstanding attendance. He also walked the local cemetery and placed poppy seals on more than 150 headstones in 2024.

Berg received the Palm Leaf Award, the highest honour for ordinary, associate or affiliate voting members, in recognition of his contributions beyond the Meritorious Service Medal.

His efforts included involvement with the Moose Lodge (Kitchener), the Knights of Columbus (Waterloo) and the Military Service Recognition book project, in which he documented 375 veterans’ stories and was honoured with the title of historian. He is also known for countless other community service initiatives throughout the Region of Waterloo.

Berg also continues to chair the Kitchener Waterloo Veterans Organization, which is currently advocating for maintaining a clear entrance to the Waterloo Cenotaph for the Colour Party, addressing the loss of visible view and the loss of gathering space for hosting the four commemorative services held yearly.

Both awards required approval not only from provincial command but also from dominion command at the national level.

“The New Hamburg Legion wishes to congratulate Bob Berg for the Palm Leaf Award and Gerry Eichler for the life membership, as they recognize their dedication and commitment to uphold the objectives of the Royal Canadian Legion,” said Charlie Bronson, membership chair with the New Hamburg Legion. “These being to support veterans, their families and our community. We are very proud of their achievements.”