A special dinner is being held by the Maple Ridge branch of the Royal Canadian Legion to commemorate the 100th anniversary of legions across Canada.
The Royal Canadian Legion was officially Incorporated by a special Act of Parliament on July 17, 1926, which is recognized as the anniversary day of the organization.
The Maple Ridge Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion was established by charter in 1927, and has grown to be the largest and most successful branch in Canada with more than 4,000 members.
Kathy Gallagher, Branch 88 administrator, noted the initial focus of the Royal Canadian Legion was on advocacy.
And, although the legion is still an advocate for veterans and their families, Gallagher said, it remains the guardian of remembrance, and is still an impressive community force – with more than 1,350 branches throughout the country.
Queen Elizabeth II granted the legion the word “Royal” in 1960, Gallagher explained, noting that Canada’s Governor General remains the viceregal patron of the Royal Canadian Legion to this day.
“Over the decades, the Legion has been a beacon of assistance through two World Wars, significant military conflicts, peacekeeping missions, and social upheavals such as the latest global pandemic,” said Gallagher.
“Literally millions of people have been touched by the work of the Legion and its branches, through good times and bad. Members and volunteers have been instrumental to its great success.”
In honour of the 100th anniversary, Canadians who are not already members of the legion can become a member at no cost.
Everyone who signs up for a free membership this year will be automatically eligible to win a Ford F-150 in the Centenary year sweepstakes when they renew their membership for 2027.
Legion membership is open to any Canadian citizen or citizen of an Allied nation who is 18 years of age or older.
To mark the centenary of the Legion, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued limited-edition silver and gold coins commemorating the legion’s past, present, and future.
Coin designs feature legion members and meaningful symbols that represent the legion’s enduring mission: veterans, remembrance, and community.
“These stunning coins designed by the Royal Canadian Mint are truly a lasting testament to our legacy,” said Berkley Lawrence, Dominion President, when the coins were released in January.
“They help tell our story and mark our centenary in a such a thoughtful and beautiful way. They will be on permanent display at our national headquarters in Ottawa, and we hope they will also become treasured pieces for many others.”
A limited-edition tulip bulb is also available for purchase to celebrate the 100th anniversary.
The public are welcome to plant the red and white tulips to honour veterans and and remind everyone about the freedom in our country granted by the sacrifices made by Canadian veterans.
Proceeds from tulip bulb sales will support initiatives that serve veterans and keep the spirit of remembrance growing across Canada.
Then, on July 17, special events will be held right across the country.
A celebration in Maple Ridge will take place on Sunday, July 19, at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 88, where a special dinner will be hosted.
All veterans living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows are welcome to the event, in addition to past presidents of the Branch or Ladies Auxiliary.
Tickets are $20 each for veterans and their spouse or caregiver. Each veteran can bring up to two guests at $43 per ticket.
The dinner takes place at 6 p.m., and guests will have a choice between a chicken cordon bleu dinner or vegetarian kebabs. Dessert, strawberry crumble, will also be served.
There will also be live music.
The deadline to purchase tickets is Friday, July 10, and they must be purchased at the legion at 12101 224 St., Maple Ridge.
No tickets will be available at the door.
For more information call 604-463-5101.
For more information about the legion in Maple Ridge go to: https://mapleridgelegion.ca/.