Legion celebrating 100th anniversary

The Royal Canadian Legion, (RCL) Branch 432 in Massey has been busy making plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Legion. On July 18, one day following the official 100th birthday of the RCL the local branch is holding an event at the location at 320 Imperial Street in Massey. There will be a [...]

Article content The Royal Canadian Legion, (RCL) Branch 432 in Massey has been busy making plans to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Legion. On July 18, one day following the official 100th birthday of the RCL the local branch is holding an event at the location at 320 Imperial Street in Massey. There will be a barbeque on the grounds, games and activities for children and youth on the main floor and the club room downstairs will be open to attendees.

Recommended Videos Local dignitaries will be present at the event to celebrate and say a few words offering congratulations and commendations. One of the special events happening is the unveiling of a crosswalk commemorating the anniversary. The RCL has been a major group supporting communities across the nation for a century.

On July 17, a hundred years ago in 1926 the Royal Canadian Legion was officially incorporated by a special Act in Parliament one year after its original start date. The Legion’s mission was clear, “to support veterans, advocate for their rights an ensure the act of Remembrance continues.” Over the 100 years the Legion has established more than 1,350 branches in Canada with nearly 400 within the Ontario Command.

Each branch, both the larger urban locations as well as the small-town branches, have provided vital services to veterans of all wars, servicemen and women as well as others in public service such as the RCMP. And that is not all the Legion does; community service is done nation-wide offering support to seniors, running youth programs and assisting others in need all of which align with the national organization’s mission. According to the National Command, “Halfway through its anniversary year, the Legion’s membership has grown by 100,000 and now sits at well over 300,000 and counting, as existing members renew and thousands of new people during 2026.

It is a welcome reality, and by the end of this year it is expected that figure will have grown significantly.” Legion membership is open to everyone and is free during the centennial year. “We couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome!” exclaims Berkely Lawrence, Dominion president.

“The increase in support across the country is an exciting development, bringing with it new energy, new ideas and great momentum as we head into our next century of service to our veterans, families, and communities.” Since the beginning of 2026 the Massey Branch has increased its membership by just over 30 new members. At the national official birthday on July 17, a special ceremony is planned at the National War Memorial in Ottawa with a birthday cake cutting event at Ottawa City Hall.

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary a new Canada postage stamp will be unveiled. Local branches are holding a variety of events on or around the anniversary date. Everyone is invited to visit local Branch 432 on Saturday, July 18 to join in the celebration, as is the case for all Legions across Canada.

For more information on Massey’s event call the Legion at 705-865-2522.