Category Archives: Dominion Command

Military Family Appreciation Day

Today is Military Family Appreciation Day. Today, we recognize the strength, resilience, and sacrifice of the families who support our Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP service members.

While our military members serve on the front lines, their families serve in countless ways at home. They endure long separations, frequent moves, and the daily uncertainty that comes with military life.

To the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones of those in uniform: thank you!

We see you. We appreciate you. The Legion stands with you.

See how the Legion marked the Remembrance period for 2024

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An item from Dominion Command that may be of interest to members.

Legion Debrief. News, updates and announcements for Legion Members. Visit member services.

November 2024

Remembrance and Veteran support start with you

A big thank you to our Legion Branches and members for their support and participation in the Poppy Campaign, in supporting Veterans and their families, and in honouring the service and sacrifices of all who served through Remembrance ceremonies and activities. It is through the ongoing support of our membership that the Legion is able to continue to help Veterans and continue the tradition of Remembrance for generations to come.

Recapping the Remembrance period

Did you miss or want to revisit part of 2024 Remembrance period activities? Learn about what your Legion was involved in this year.


National Remembrance Day Ceremony	Legion offers Poppy items through Amazon
See how officials and spectators experience Remembrance at the National War Memorial.	Learn how an Amazon storefront gives people a new way to access Poppies and other items.
Read more ‣	Read more ‣

2024 National Silver Cross Mother announced	Legion 2024 National Poppy Campaign
Learn who is representing all Canadian Mothers whose child died as a result of service.	See all of the many ways people could participate and get Poppies.
Read more ‣	Read more ‣

Photo Credit Rideau Hall Ceremonial First Poppy	Special RCAF Flypast at National Ceremony
The Legion’s Dominion President presents the First Poppy to the Governor General.	Vintage military aircraft marked the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Read more ‣	Read more ‣

Encouraging Remembrance in younger generations

The Royal Canadian Legion and The Legion National Foundation’s annual National Youth Remembrance Contests, invites students from across Canada to honour Canada’s Veterans with their creativity! The second and third place contest winners from the 2024 Contests were on display over the Remembrance period at Parliament for all to enjoy! Visit remembrancecontests.ca for details on the contests.

View all the winning entries here ‣

An RCAF Veteran’s story: The importance of Remembrance

Legion National Headquarters invited a Carleton University journalism student to spend a few weeks with the Legion through the university’s internship program. As part of his experience, Brandon Martin wrote an article about his grandfather, an RCAF Veteran.

“One of the core pillars of The Royal Canadian Legion is supporting the tradition of Remembrance –amplifying the stories of Veterans who have served our country is one way of continuing this tradition. Sharing my grandfather’s story through the following passages has not only allowed me to pay homage to him, but to also express my gratitude to all Veterans during this period of Remembrance.”

Read his story ‣

Legion awards $50,000 Doctoral Scholarship in the field of Veteran health

At the CIMVHR Forum in Winnipeg, Dominion President Berkley Lawrence awarded Université Laval’s Raphaëlle Merlo with The Royal Canadian Legion’s inaugural Doctoral Scholarship.

The scholarship awards $25,000 each year for two years to a doctoral student demonstrating excellence in a high impact research career relevant to military, Veteran and their families’ health. This scholarship represents our ongoing commitment to supporting research and innovation in military and Veteran health. Congratulations to Raphaëlle for her outstanding dedication to this vital field!

Read more ‣

Juno Beach Centre launches capital campaign

As we approach the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Juno Beach Centre has launched a bold vision to grow, preserve, and expand the reach of this Canadian landmark in Normandy. Plans include a major commemorative landscaping project, physical expansion, a new eco-friendly café and boutique, and experiential education programs reaching young people all over the world.

At the centre of it all is Project Concordia, a chance to preserve and restore the dune lands that surround the centre, and create an enhanced, accessible space for reflection and learning. The lands were recently protected from a condo development thanks to the Save Juno Beach citizen’s campaign, which received critical support from many Legion members.

Find out more ‣

Your membership can help you save

Create unforgettable memories this November with MemberPerks! Enter for a chance to win a gift basket from Baskits. Tell us how you used our AR tool to find perks. Send us your answers at isaved@venngo.com for a chance to win! legion.venngo.com MemberPerks is available as Venngo on the App Store or PlayStroe or use your company’s Venngo url to access on the browser.

43,000 Legions members have saved a combined total of over $2.5 Million through our MemberPerks program!

Check out this latest offer — and many more! With MemberPerks^®, you can shop online or in-store at local and national stores and service providers and save $1000s every year. It’s a great way to support the Legion, local businesses, and your wallet.

Learn more ‣

Get updates to support your Branch activities

Are you actively involved in supporting Branch operations, campaigns, administrative tasks, committee work, or other similar roles? Our monthly Legion Branch Dispatch shares important information to support Branch activities.

Check out the November 2024 edition

In this edition:

•	Growing Branch Remembrance Ceremony viewership
•	Membership renewal reminders
•	Updated Ritual, Awards and Protocol Manual

•	PR Tip of the Month
•	Your Legion calendar
•	and more!

Received this from a friend? Never miss an issue:
Join the Legion today >
Update your membership profile with your email address. Login to the Member Services Website.

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.

Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

As a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, you receive emails from Legion National Headquarters for the purposes of managing your Legion membership. Members may manage their email preferences below. You may withdraw your consent to receive administrative emails from The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters by contacting the Member Services Department. The Royal Canadian Legion may be unable to process your membership without your consent to receive administrative emails.

To update your member contact information please login to the Member Services Website, or contact the Member Services Department.

Our contact information is:

The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855-330-3344
Email: membership@legion.ca
www.legion.ca

Honouring the Fallen and celebrating the future

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An item from Dominion Command.

July 2024

It’s been a busy month for Legion Branches

The summer has only just begun, and already, Branches across Canada are bustling with activities to honour our Veterans. From preserving century‑old legacies to promoting the invaluable work of the Legion to future generations, our members’ commitment to remembering and supporting those who served is as strong as ever.

Join us in celebrating and contributing to these meaningful efforts all year round. Find your local Branch to see upcoming events and opportunities.

Young members of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment and Canadian Armed Forces acting as pallbearers, carrying the remains of the Unknown Newfoundland Soldier.

The Unknown Soldier, Newfoundland’s Son, is now home

On July 1, Memorial Day in Newfoundland, the remains of an unknown Newfoundland soldier were laid to rest at the Newfoundland National War Memorial site. These remains were recently returned to Canadian soil after more than 100 years through a project spearheaded by The Royal Canadian Legion’s Newfoundland and Labrador Command. The emotional ceremony was a poignant moment of recognition and Remembrance for the sacrifice of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served, some of whom remain unknown and are resting elsewhere in the world.

If you didn’t get the chance to watch the interment live, you can find full ceremony coverage here.

Learn more about Newfoundland and Labrador Command’s repatriation project here.

Legion branded care packages alongside some of the items inside including a box of maple cookies and two travel mugs.

A gift from home for our troops serving abroad

We are proud to announce that this year’s Operation Canada Day was once again a major success! Your generous Poppy Campaign donations allowed us to send 3,000 care packages to deployed Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP members through the Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services initiative. We hope our troops enjoyed the treats!

People celebrating July 1st at a Legion Branch, dancing and dressed in Canada Day fashion.

Celebration from coast to coast to coast

Legion Branches across the country held special July 1^st celebrations this year, inviting their communities in for events like breakfasts and barbeques. Sportsnet 590 The FAN’s Ben Ennis and Brent Gunning even broadcast their morning show live from the patio of Branch 344, overlooking Lake Ontario. Not only did they promote our July 1^st events throughout the show, but they also helped us educate Canadians with facts about the Legion!

Read more ‣

A long overdue amendment

After more than 100 years, Almonte, Ontario’s forgotten soldier, Private George B. Monterville, has had his name etched back into history.

When Almonte Legion Parade Marshall MWO. Michael Wiggins noticed Monterville’s name had not been included when the memorial was built, he reached out to the Grade 6 class at R. Tait McKenzie Public School to take on a real‑life learning project. After months of campaigning by the students, the name was recently added to a local cenotaph in a re‑dedication ceremony. Now, this November 11 and every Remembrance Day in the future, Monterville’s name will be read aloud along with all the others from Almonte who gave their lives for Canada.

“The injustice of not hearing George’s name every year for the past 101 years has been righted and that will carry on forever now,” said MWO. Wiggins.

Read more ‣

A Labrador Retriever wearing a service vest.

Pairing Veterans with PTSD service dogs

Great outcomes begin with great partnerships! Since 2018, Operation Service Dog has been in partnership with Legion Ontario Command and Wounded Warriors Canada. On June 20^th, Ontario Command presented a $500,000 cheque to the organization, which will greatly assist Veterans with access to service dogs in Ontario. To date, 61 Veterans have been paired with service dogs, and another 27 dogs are in training through this amazing program.

“It is the hope of the Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries of The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Command that each service dog paired with a Veteran improves their quality of life. This donation of a half million dollars will continue making that happen,” said Ontario Provincial President, Derek Moore.

Learn more about Operation Service Dog ‣

Afghanistan War Veteran Kyle Scott, centre, presents the Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal and a NATO Bar to veteran Wayne Inkpen. On the right is Kyle’s father, Brian, navy veteran and the president of the Whitecourt, Alta., Legion.

Get help receiving or replacing military commendations

If you or a Veteran you love are owed an honour or award for service, have lost one that you previously received or need one replaced due to damage, Afghanistan War Veteran Kyle Scott is here to help. For several years, he has worked with Veterans and their families to get owed or replacement awards from the Department of National Defense and the Governor General’s Office.

As a child, Kyle learned through his grandfather, also a Veteran, about the respect military medals deserve. He saw how much these awards meant to his grandfather as a symbol of surviving hardship, dedication and decades of service. Now a Veteran himself, Kyle fully understands the meaning behind the medals – a meaning that has driven his commitment to helping other Veterans across Canada receive the honours they deserve.

To date, Kyle has assisted over 1,600 Veterans and families in retrieving their awards, and he hopes to help many more in the future.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Kyle’s assistance, email him at sapperkyle.scott@gmail.com or follow Canadian Veterans: Owed or Missing Medals on Facebook for more information.

Your membership can help you save

41,100 Legions members have saved a combined total of over $2.3 Million in savings through our MemberPerks program!

EMBARK ON YOUR DREAM ADVENTURE with our exclusive travel contest! Win a $250 gift card for Via Rail and create memories that will last forever. Mark your favourite travel perk on the desktop platform throughout the month of August for a chance to win! legion.venngo.com MemberPerks is available as Venngo on the App Store or PlayStore or use your company's Venngo url to access on the browser.

Check out this latest offer, and many more! With MemberPerks^®, you can shop online or in‑store at local and national stores and service providers and save $1000s every year. It’s a great way to support the Legion, local businesses, and your wallet.

Learn more ‣

Get updates to support your Branch activities

Check out the July 2024 edition

In this edition:

•	Congratulations to the winning Branches of the $1000 prepaid credit cards
•	Information for Dominion Convention Delegates and Observers

•	Study volunteers needed: Women Veterans experiencing homelessness
•	Your Legion calendar
•	and more!

Received this from a friend? Never miss an issue:
Join the Legion today >
Update your membership profile with your email address. Login to the Member Services Website.

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.

Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

To update your member contact information please login to the Member Services Website, or contact the Member Services Department.

Our contact information is:

The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855-330-3344
Email: membership@legion.ca
www.legion.ca

Your kindness has an impact on Canada’s Veterans

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An item from Dominion Command.

See how Legion members are changing lives

June 2024

Making a difference, the Legion way

Every Legion member has the power to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Veterans and their families. From offering a helping hand to Veterans in your community to paying tribute to those who have passed, our collective efforts shine brightly across Canada, Whether you’re engaging in heartwarming conversations, organizing events, or participating in commemorative activities, your involvement supports Veterans and helps ensure their legacy lives on forever.

Visit your local Legion Branch today to discover how you can make a difference and honour the sacrifices made by those who served.

Unknown Newfoundland Soldier to be laid to rest at the National War Memorial in St. John’s

On July 1^st, the repatriated remains of a Newfoundland soldier who fought in the First World War will be laid to rest inside a tomb of an unknown soldier on the 100^th anniversary of the Newfoundland National War Memorial in St. John’s. In preparation, the War Memorial is undergoing an extensive refurbishment: the result of a partnership between The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command and all three levels of government.

Learn more about the War Memorial, its history, and the plans for the July 1^st repatriation ceremony in this 3‑part series, courtesy of NTV News.

Join us July 1^st at 9:00am EST on Facebook as we livestream coverage of the Unknown Newfoundland Soldier being laid to rest. Tune in here.

Woman veteran seen from the back with the Canadian flag in the background.

Legion Calls on Government to implement ACVA recommendations to support women Veterans

The Royal Canadian Legion fully supports the recommendations outlined in the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (ACVA) report titled Invisible No More. The Experiences of Canadian Women Veterans. This landmark report, the largest ever carried out by the Committee, records for the first time the lived experiences of over 50 women Veterans with service from today to over the past 40 years.

The testimony overwhelming highlighted how women Veterans have encountered barriers and challenges to have their service‑related injuries recognized by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). The Royal Canadian Legion calls on the Government to produce an implementation plan, including a detailed timeline and defined oversight. We will monitor the progress and outcome of the report and are committed to collaborate and assist to ensure the timely implementation of all recommendations.

Read more ‣

Two bracelets and a pamphlet that reads: I am trained to provide Mental Health First Aid.

Legion members can make a lifechanging difference

Our Legion community is passionate about advocating for and helping Veterans. This is a story from the President of Legion Branch 418, St. Catharines, Ontario.

“Seeing the story shared by Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters on social media brought back a flood of warm memories. Back in 2017–2018, with the support of Chris Bittle’s MP office, I had the privilege of securing funding to host the Mental Health First Aid for Veterans course at Branch 418. I joined the course as a participant, alongside a group of Veterans whose company I deeply cherished. That weekend was more than just an educational experience; it was a journey of shared stories, resilience, and camaraderie.

In the days following the course, I returned to the Branch to find a note on my desk, accompanied by a handcrafted bracelet. The message was simple yet profound: “Yvonne. You saved my life this weekend. Keep up the good work and keep offering the courses. We need them. – A thankful Veteran.” The weight of those words and the bracelet’s presence have never left me. It was a stark reminder of the profound impact we can have on each other’s lives, especially for those who have served our nation. This inspiration led me to secure additional funding, enabling Branch 418 to offer the course again the following year.

To the Veteran who left that note, I want you to know that your bracelet is still with me, a constant reminder of the difference we can make. Your gesture has touched my heart deeply, and I carry it with me every day.

If you’re reading this, dear Veteran, please understand that you’ve not only impacted my life with your kindness but also inspired a steadfast commitment in me to continue supporting our Veterans. Your note is a testament to the importance of being there for one another, and I hope to honor that through my actions every day.”

Order free education materials

Every year, Legion members work tirelessly to help educate youth in our communities about the importance of remembering and recognizing Canada’s Veterans and those who lost their lives in service. Veterans Affairs Canada offers a variety of free, bilingual educational resources that can help! Visit veterans.gc.ca/educators for activities, videos and lesson plans for students of all ages. You can also order free materials like poppy seeds, multimedia learning kits and historical sheets to support year-round learning. Special recognition cards can help young people connect with Veterans by saying thank you to those who served.

Check back in the fall for Veterans’ Week resources you can share with local schools and youth organizations!

Your membership can help you save

40,800 Legions members have saved a combined total of over $2.2 Million in savings through our MemberPerks program!

Win a $250 gift card to Lolë simply by reviewing this app and send us a screenshot at isaved@vengo.com.

Learn more ‣

Get updates to support your Branch activities

Check out the June 2024 edition

In this edition:

•	Introducing the Legion’s EDI committee
•	Upper Canada WILLS loyalty program gives back to Legion Branches
•	Minutes from the Dominion Executive Council meeting

•	Poppy Manual updates
•	Chance for your Branch to win one of five $1,000 gift cards
•	and more!

Received this from a friend? Never miss an issue:
Join the Legion today >
Update your membership profile with your email address. Login to the Member Services Website.

Working together to serve Canada’s Veterans.

Click here if you are having trouble viewing this message

To update your member contact information please login to the Member Services Website, or contact the Member Services Department.

Our contact information is:

The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters
Member Services Department
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1
Canada

Toll free: 855-330-3344
Email: membership@legion.ca
www.legion.ca

Honouring Veterans 365 Days

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An item from the folks at Dominion Command.

View in your browser

Veterans Count on Your Support Every Day.

Michael,

You know the struggles of Canadian Veterans.

Supporting our Veterans is not a once-a-year event; it is a commitment that must be honoured every day.

You may have read their stories in the media, or you may have a loved one in your own family who has sacrificed so much for their country. Many Veterans endure the silent battles of PTSD, depression, and anxiety because of their unwavering service and dedication to Canada. Easy access to consistent, quality mental health care support is crucial for their well-being and transition to civilian life.

This is where your support of the Legion National Foundation is so lifechanging. You can give today.

Did you know Canadian Veterans, on average, are 2-3 times more likely to experience homelessness despite having made tremendous sacrifices to safeguard our freedoms?. You may be shocked by this number. This is why there is no time to wait. After giving so much, they Canadian Veterans deserve the dignity of stable, safe housing and extended support.

Veterans carry the weight of their service, from visible injuries to lasting health conditions, with unwavering resilience. You know their their sacrifices demand more than just medical attention; they deserve compassionate care that acknowledges and caters to their unique needs.

We cannot wait one more minute for Veterans to get the care and support they deserve.

You can give today.

We often forget about the sacrifices of a Veteran’s family. You know they also make incredible sacrifices. Behind every Veteran stands a family that shares in their challenges, long-lasting effects of service and reintegration. The families of Veterans endure financial strain and emotional stress, shouldering the weight of their loved one’s service. Support systems for these families are essential.

Your support of The Legion National Foundation, is making a real impact in the lives of Veterans and their families across Canada. Your gift today, becomes a lifeline offering crucial support in their darkest moments.

Your donation goes a long way by providing. It provides vital counselling and mental health services, offering solace and support to Veterans grappling with the invisible wounds.

Your generosity also ensures Veterans have access to high-quality healthcare, bridging the gap between service and civilian life. Your support doesn’t stop there, it extends to the You help families of Veterans, offering them resources and assistance to navigate the unique challenges they face.

Your generosity also ensures Veterans have access to high-quality healthcare, bridging the gap between service and civilian life. Your support doesn’t stop there, it extends to the families of Veterans, offering them resources and assistance to navigate the unique challenges they face.

Your contribution serves as a beacon of hope for those that have bravely served Canada, in their time of need.

Your generous contribution today ensures that we can continue to meet the needs of Veterans throughout the year.

You are invited today, to join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of our Veterans.

Thank you for ensuring no Veteran is left behind.

DONATE NOW

Les anciens combattants ont besoin de votre soutien chaque jour.

Michael

Vous connaissez les luttes des anciens combattants canadiens.

Il est essentiel de ne pas limiter l’assistance aux anciens combattants à une seule fois par an ; c’est un engagement qui doit être respecté quotidiennement.

Il se peut que vous ayez lu leurs histoires dans les médias, ou que vous ayez un proche dans votre propre famille qui a tant sacrifié pour son pays. En raison de leur service et de leur dévouement inébranlables envers le Canada, de nombreux anciens combattants doivent faire face aux combats silencieux du SSPT, à la dépression et à l’anxiété. Pour leur bien-être et leur transition vers la vie civile, il est essentiel d’avoir un accès facile à un soutien cohérent et de qualité en matière de soins de santé mentale.

C’est à ce moment précis que votre soutien à la Legion National Foundation a un impact considérable sur la vie. N’hésitez pas à donner aujourd’hui.

Est-ce que vous êtes au courant que les anciens combattants canadiens sont en moyenne deux à trois fois plus susceptibles de se retrouver sans abri, en dépit des énormes sacrifices qu’ils ont faits pour préserver nos libertés? Ce chiffre pourrait vous étonner. C’est la raison pour laquelle il n’y a pas de temps à perdre. Après avoir tant donné, les anciens combattants canadiens méritent la dignité d’un logement stable et sûr, ainsi que d’un soutien continu.

Les anciens combattants font face à la lourdeur de leur service, qu’il s’agisse de blessures visibles ou de problèmes de santé durables, avec une résilience inébranlable. Il est important que vous sachiez que leurs sacrifices ne se limitent pas à de simples soins médicaux ; ils méritent des soins compatissants qui reconnaissent et répondent à leurs besoins uniques.

Il est impératif que les vétérans reçoivent les soins et le soutien qu’ils méritent sans attendre une minute de plus. Aujourd’hui, vous avez la possibilité de donner.

Souvent, nous ne prenons pas en compte les sacrifices de la famille d’un Vétéran. Vous savez qu’ils consentent également à des sacrifices incroyables. Chaque vétéran a sa propre famille qui partage ses défis, les répercussions durables du service et de la réintégration. Les familles des anciens combattants sont confrontées à des difficultés financières et à un stress émotionnel, tout en étant confrontées au poids du service rendu par leur proche. Ces familles ont un besoin crucial de soutien.

La contribution que vous faites à la Fondation nationale Légion a un impact réel sur la vie des anciens combattants et de leurs familles. En faisant don aujourd’hui, vous offrez un soutien crucial dans les moments les plus sombres, devenant ainsi une bouée de sauvetage.

Votre don est d’une grande valeur. Il fournit un soutien et des conseils essentiels en matière de santé mentale, offrant du réconfort et un soutien aux anciens combattants confrontés à des blessures invisibles.

Votre générosité assure également aux anciens combattants l’accès à des soins de santé de haute qualité, ce qui réduit le fossé entre le service et la vie en société. Votre aide ne se termine pas là ; elle s’étend à vous. Vous apportez votre soutien aux familles des anciens combattants en leur fournissant des ressources et de l’aide pour faire face aux défis uniques qu’ils rencontrent.

Votre aide est une lueur d’espoir pour ceux qui ont courageusement soutenu le Canada dans les temps difficiles.

Grâce à votre généreuse contribution aujourd’hui, nous sommes en mesure de continuer à répondre aux besoins des vétérans tout au long de l’année.

Nous espérons que vous vous joindrez à nous aujourd’hui pour avoir un impact durable sur la vie de nos anciens combattants.

Merci de veiller à ce que nos anciens combattants ne soient pas laissés de côté.

FAITES UN DON

Royal Canadian Legion, US Branch #25

San Francisco Bay Area

Category Archives: Dominion Command

Military Family Appreciation Day

See how the Legion marked the Remembrance period for 2024

Honouring the Fallen and celebrating the future

Your kindness has an impact on Canada’s Veterans

Honouring Veterans 365 Days