Orillia Legion volunteer receives rare Palm Leaf honour

Kate Palmer of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 in Orillia received the Palm Leaf, the Legion's highest volunteer honour, and veteran Paul Connell received the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence.

Applause filled Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 in downtown Orillia when members gathered for a presentation during the branch's centennial year. Kate Palmer was presented with the Palm Leaf, the highest honour a Legion volunteer can receive, in a ceremony that surprised her. The nomination began at the branch level and proceeded through Ontario Command to Dominion Command, and Zone E5 Commander Bruce Henn said in his 45 years of service he had not seen the award presented before. The evening also included recognition for veteran Paul Connell with a provincial community service award. What we know: - Kate Palmer received the Palm Leaf at a Branch 34 gathering in Orillia during the branch's 100th anniversary events. - Zone E5 Commander Bruce Henn said it was the first time in his 45 years of Legion service that he had seen the Palm Leaf presented. - Palmer joined Branch 34 in 1984 and has been a member for 42 years, serving in many roles including Youth Education Chair, Poppy Committee Secretary, newsletter editor and Remembrance Day organizer. - She is the branch's only three-time recipient of the President's Award and has twice been named Dominion-level Legionnaire of the Year. - Palmer serves on the provincial honours and awards committee and said the presentation had been kept secret from her until the centennial dance announcement. - Paul Connell received the Ontario Veterans Award for Community Service Excellence and is noted as the head piper for the local pipe band. Summary: The presentation highlighted decades of volunteer work at Branch 34 and recognition of continued community involvement by local veterans. Undetermined at this time.