A Grassroots Organization with National Reach
National Remembrance Day Ceremony 2024
Royal Canadian Legion Hall of Honour at the Canadian War Museum
photo by Frank.Defalco
The story of the Royal Canadian Legion begins with Canada's experience in the First World War.
Even before Armistice, war-weary veterans gathered to assist and support disabled Veterans and the families of those killed in the war. The Great War Veterans Association was formed in 1917. For these men it was also a means of maintaining the comradeship they had known in the trenches of Europe.
In the aftermath of World War I there was an appeal for unity from across the Commonwealth. In 1925, The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League was founded. Shortly after, it was
incorporated by a special Act of Parliament, and the Charter was issued in July 1926. The Legion’s initial main objective was to provide a strong voice for
First World War Veterans.
The humble, but determined, organization that began as a support and advocacy group for veterans evolved into a foundational cornerstone of countless Canadian
communities. With the advent of the Second World War 1939-1945 creating a host of new demands, the Legion expanded to offer more
dedicated support to Veterans, as well as those serving abroad.
At wars end in 1945 more than a million Canadian veterans returned home. The Legion concentrated its efforts in helping them
re-enter civilian life and advising them on what pensions and other benefits were available. The Legion helped advocate for the Veterans Charter, a
landmark set of national laws that created new services for veterans,
including vocational and university training, land grants for farming,
low-cost housing and disability pensions.
On December 19, 1960, Queen Elizabeth II gave her consent to use the
prefix 'Royal', and the organization became known as 'The Royal Canadian
Legion." The Act of Incorporation was later amended in 1961 to make the
change official.
Today the Royal Canadian Legion in each province and territory is organized as a
command, each falling under the national or Dominion headquarters
based in Ottawa. It is a non-profit organization
funded primarily by membership fees, and without government operating grants.
The Royal Canadian Legion's 270,000 members continue to be the guardians of remembrance and veterans’
welfare, advocating for the care and benefits for all who served Canada, regardless
of when or where they served. The Legion also provides representation
and assistance to Veterans, including currently serving Canadian Armed
Forces and RCMP, and their families, and access to services is
available to them at no cost, whether or not they are Legion members.
Its earlier stated goal to build a strong Canada evolved in its core activity being volunteerism. Today, it is one of the largest volunteer bases in Canada, supporting programs that make a meaningful impact in the community and committing millions of volunteer hours each year. The Royal Canadian Legion is one of the largest supporters of community youth activities. It is but one way the legion tries to instill values of responsible citizenship among young people. From coast to coast to coast, members selflessly volunteer to help provide essential services.
Membership to join the Legion is open Canadian Veterans, serving military, RCMP members, retired military, reservists, police officers, Canadian Coast Guard, and their families. Any Canadian or any citizen of an Allied nation aged 18 or older is also welcome to become a member.
There are many ways the Legion gives, and by joining you give too. Your membership includes exclusive perks and rewards.
Learn More - Royal Canadian Legion
Join today - join online - your membership can be transferred to a Legion Branch of your choosing.
Support for Veterans
Key Advocacy Points
Canadians in World War I
Photos
The full story of the Royal Canadian Legion is compiled into a 367 page book, entitled SERVICE: The Story of the Canadian Legion. No longer in publication but available through a free PDF flipbook.