Kakabeka Legion

Issued: June 1, 2001

Since it first opened its doors in 1876, The Royal Military College of Canada has been the training ground for the cream of Canada's military elite. Some of those who passed through its gates went on to fight in two world wars and the Korean War, some travelled to other countries to uphold freedom and democracy, while some even travelled to the far reaches of space.

Laying the foundation
The founding of The Royal Military College (RMC), goes back to the withdrawal of most British troops fromCanada shortly after confederation. It was decided that instead of sending candidates to England for training, a facility would be set up to teach everything from military tactics to the sciences. Chosen because of its strong ties to past military and naval activity, Kingston was destined to become the home of the RMC and its first enrolees, the "Old Eighteen."

The winds of war
During the First World War over 900 graduates of RMC went to war, serving with either British or Canadian forces overseas. In 1939, during the Second World War the RMC once again sent its finest into the battle, and of the 1,358 ex-cadets who served, 114 would never return.
During The Second World War, several RMC graduates played key roles in the Allied victory, including General Henry Crerar, commander of the 1st Canadian Army.

Still on duty
Today the RMC is Canada's only remaining military college, living up to its motto of "Truth-Duty-Valour." State-of-the-art training keeps candidates up to date on the latest technological advances.

At ease with the artist
With a father in the Canadian military, artist Jim Hudson was the perfect choice for designing a stamp to commemorate 125 years of the RMC's existence. Reflecting the RMC's traditions of precision and balance, Jim's design personifies the history, the courage and the pageantry of those who attended one of Canada's most revered military establishment. An award-winning member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, Jim Hudson has put together a stamp that is more than just a collection of images. He has given us reminder of the past and of those who gave their all to defend freedom.