About us...
The Royal Canadian Legion:
Canada's Largest Veterans Organization
Keeping the memory alive
Most Canadians associate the Legion with Remembrance ceremonies and activities perpetuating the memory of those who died in the two world wars, the Korean War and other Canadian military missions, including peacekeeping. Probably the most widely known activity is the National Remembrance-Poppy Campaign in which Legion members and friends distribute poppy emblems for donations to raise money for needy veterans, ex-service members, and their families. On Remembrance Day, November 11, the Legion also holds memorial services in communities across Canada. In Ottawa, the governor-general, prime minister, veterans and members of the military and the public attend the service at the National War Memorial. The ceremonies are replicated at thousands of locations across the country and use a two minute silence to remember the nation's losses.
Membership
If you are of federal voting age and are a Canadian citizen, Commonwealth subject or subject from an Allied nation and support the aims and objects of The Royal Canadian Legion, you may apply for membership. Military service is not a requirement for membership.
The Legion is a non-profit, self sustained organization with approximately 1,600 branches in Canada, the United States, The Netherlands and Germany. The Legion receives no financial assistance from any outside agency and membership is open to all Canadians who subscribe to the purposes and objects of the organization. As well as community service, comradeship, sports and social activities, Legion members receive Legion Magazine, one of Canada's largest paid-circulation periodicals, devoted to veterans and seniors issues, Canadian war-time history and Legion affairs. There is also an excellent members' benefit package which provides members with reduced costs for goods and services through cooperating companies.
The Legion's work
From the time of its formation in 1925-1926, the Legion has focussed its efforts on the fight to secure adequate pensions and other well-earned benefits for veterans and their dependants. Acting as an advocacy agency on pensioners' behalf, the Legion deals directly with the Federal Government to ensure ex-military personnel and their dependants are treated fairly.
The Legion also supports programs for seniors, particularly through direct community-level activities, and housing projects. The Legion's Youth program provides scholarships and bursaries, sports programs and support to activities such as cadets, scouts and guides.
The New Millennium
As the Legion moves into the 21st century, its members have rededicated themselves to ensure the care of Canada's veterans and the perpetuation of Remembrance. The implementation of the "Two Minute Wave of Silence" in 1999, the establishment of "The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier" in 2000, and its advocacy for a Year of the Veteran in 2005 are examples of how the Legion is preparing Canadians to never forget the lessons and sacrifices of the past. Continued pressure on the federal government to improve benefits for those who serve and have served the country in uniform is the Legion's other major cornerstone. And, as times change, so will the needs and the Legion's work to ensure they are met.