The Mission of The Royal Canadian Legion

The mission of The Royal Canadian Legion is “to serve veterans and their dependents, to promote Remembrance, and to act in the service of Canada and its communities.” In essence, the purposes and objects of the Legion were born of the need to further the spirit of comradeship and mutual assistance among all who have served and never to forget the deeds of the fallen.

It is paramount that the Legion strives to pass on these goals and traditions to the families and descendants of our ex-service personnel and to raise this awareness among all Canadians.

The major source of funding for the Legion to accomplish this most important work is the annual Poppy Campaign, the foundation of our Remembrance Program. It is the generosity of Canadians that enables the Legion to ensure that our veterans and their dependants are cared for and treated with the respect that they deserve. This November campaign, which sees Poppies distributed to Canadians of all ages, serves to perpetuate Remembrance by ensuring that the memory and sacrifices of our war veterans are never forgotten.

The Legion also maintains a leading role in the creation and care of memorials to the contributions and valour of our veterans and ex-service members. We are deeply honoured and proud to accept the task of organizing Remembrance ceremonies throughout the country, including the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. In addition, working in concert with other veterans’ organizations and the Canadian government, the Legion has vowed to ensure that the preservation of the records and memories of our fallen heroes and returning veterans continues in perpetuity.

The Royal Canadian Legion was honoured to initiate and coordinate the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for the Centennial in 2000 and to suggest the declaration of 2005 as ‘Year of the Veteran’. These and other commemorative projects and activities led by The Royal Canadian Legion have been welcomed by Canadians who have never hesitated to demonstrate their support in acknowledging the debt that is owed to those who sacrifice so much. We repay this debt in our “Remembrance.”

Remembrance

Remembrance Day shall remain and be reverently observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of each year by us and our successors.

LEST WE FORGET

The Royal Canadian Legion was formed in 1926 with a membership of 50,000. The Legion’s commitment to the Remembrance of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom is as valid today as it was then.

Today the Legion is one of the largest community service organizations in Canada with more than 360,000 members and approximately 1,500 branches in Canada, the USA and Europe.

As well as service to veterans and the community, the Legion has a strong and continuing commitment in promoting Canada’s contribution to world peace, the protection of Canadian sovereignty and the preservation of national unity.

As the years take their toll on Canada’s veteran population, the Legion needs the infusion of new blood in order to maintain the many services provided by The Royal Canadian Legion to communities across Canada.

Membership was originally restricted to those who had served in Canada’s Armed Forces and Merchant Navy. The Royal Canadian Legion is proud of its military heritage and still maintains close ties with the Armed Forces today; however, over the years, categories of membership have evolved to include other members of the community. Find out how you can join!

The Veterans Bill of Rights

Published September 1, 2017

Canada is a great country, due in no small part to the sacrifices of the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in the Canadian Forces.

The Veterans Bill of Rights is an expression of the rights Veterans have long identified as important. It is a comprehensive declaration of rights for all war-service Veterans, Veterans and serving members of the Canadian Forces (Regular and Reserve), members and former members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, spouses, common-law partners, survivors and primary caregivers, other eligible dependents and family members, and other eligible clients.

The Veterans Bill of Rights was developed in consultation with Veterans’ organizations to strengthen our ability to respond quickly and fairly to the concerns of Veterans. It sets out the rights of Veterans and clients in accessing Veterans Affairs’ programs and services. It is a clear and concise statement that Veterans Affairs will continue to make sure every one of its clients is treated with respect, with dignity and with fairness.

Anyone wishing information, advice or Assistance with the following:

•WAR DISABILITY PENSIONS

• TREATMENT FOR ENTITLED VETERANS

• APPLICATION FOR BENEVOLENT FUND ASSISTANCE

• APPEALS AGAINST ADVERSE ORIGINAL APPLICATION FOR WAR VETERANS & WIDOWS ALLOWANCE

Please call the Branch Office Manager at 613-354-5275