What Is The Legion?

        Numerous groups for veterans in Canada were formed after World War I in 1918, but were for the most part, unsuccessful. It was only in November 1925 when the Canadian Legion as we know it today was founded. It is a self-sustained, non-profit organization which has many branches all over the country. Their purpose is to not only provide a place for veterans to reminisce about their past and discuss their war time experiences but also to support them and provide aid in various ways. For instance, such aid includes medical assistance, such as providing wheelchairs, canes, walkers to those who needed them, as well as carpooling and financial help. Also, the Legion was an ideal place for veterans to discuss and sympathize with others who lived through the same experiences as they did. Legion halls soon became a very important part of their respective communities also because of the social events often held within their walls. To join the Legion, one must either be a veteran or their wife or relative. However, while the purpose of the Legion was to be there for their veterans, the members also gave back to the community in countless ways. Supporting various sports and youth organizations such as the cadets are only some examples.

    Legions are also places where the members come together and participate in activities and events. These many events are organized and planned by the Legion members from both the Branch and the Ladies Auxiliary and include dances, bazaars and dinners among other activities. Veterans and other members of the Legion sit to sell poppies in many public locations in the weeks leading up to Armistice Day. The money made by selling these poppies is given over to the Annual Poppy Campaign who uses it to help veterans and their families in need. Legion halls all over the country take the time to honour the war veterans that are still alive and those who have passed on for their courage and devotion, by holding a two-minute silence as well as other commemorative activities such as marching and playing bagpipes in their honour and memory.

Most significantly, the Legion gives veterans a voice in society and a place to show them that what they did was important for their country and shows the importance of remembrance.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.