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.

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.

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!

Celebration from coast to coast to coast Legion Branches across the country held special July 1st 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 1st 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  ‣

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 20th, 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  ‣

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! 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. Sign up for MemberPerks® today. It’s free with your Legion membership. 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 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.

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 1st, 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 100th 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 1st repatriation ceremony in this 3‑part series, courtesy of NTV News. Join us July 1st at 9:00am EST on Facebook as we livestream coverage of the Unknown Newfoundland Soldier being laid to rest. Tune in here. 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  ‣ 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! 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. Sign up for MemberPerks® today. It’s free with your Legion membership. 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 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 Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved. 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

An item from the folks at Dominion Command.

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.

An item from Dominion Command.

April 2024 Participate in a pillar of your community Our Branches are more than just buildings; they’re where we come together to support our Veterans and make our neighborhoods better places for everyone. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a friendly get‑together, a chance to volunteer, or a project that helps those in need. It’s our way of saying thank you to those who’ve served and continue to serve. See how we can make a difference together by visiting your local Branch. Legion Branches light up in Blue for RCAF 100 Legion Branches across the country are illuminated in blue in honour of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Centennial. Learn more about the history of the RCAF. (video from Legion Magazine) Building community while their Branch is under construction The work of a Legion Branch doesn’t end at its brick-and-mortar location. While their physical building is being renovated, Branch 418’s members have kept their commitment to the community strong, volunteering at events like the Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Center’s Celebrity Ice Cup. Their dedication to support the community proves that their spirit goes beyond walls, which is at the heart of what makes a Legion Branch vital. The updated Branch, expected to finish this year, promises a modern space for both members and the community to enjoy for years to come. Learn more  ‣ Spicing up the Legion’s image Branches are finding new ways to involve the community, bring people in, and elevate the image and perception of the Legion. See how Aurora, Ontario Legion’s Bistro 385 is bringing a new ‘Zest’ and a fresh outlook to their Branch. Learn more  ‣ Visit your local Legion museum International Museum Day is May 18th. Did you know that a number of Legion Branches have in-house museums displaying historical collections to educate their members and community? Learn about the Legion Experience Museum  ‣ out of Coronation Branch 286 in Toronto, Ontario Does your Legion Branch have a museum? Send us a description, pictures and a link if available at marketing@legion.ca and we’ll help promote it in May! The Royal Canadian Legion responds to federal budget 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion is encouraged by crucial financial and conceptual commitments in the 2024 federal budget as they relate to veterans and defence, yet alarmed by the lack of ready-to-go plans and actions to immediately tackle ongoing issues affecting still serving and retired Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. “Details are sketchy,” says Bruce Julian, Dominion President. “We are at a time when a lot of negative situations are converging, from a lack of affordable housing for our CAF members to insufficient modernized equipment in the field. We acknowledge the crucial financial commitment in this budget, but we also need to see a detailed timetable with expeditious actions.” Read more  ‣ 10% OFF CAF SIGNATURE EVENTS! Join us in celebrating the spirit of camaraderie and resilience! This year, we’re thrilled to offer you the opportunity to participate in up to three signature Canadian Armed Forces events. Whether you choose to test your endurance in the Canada Army Run, soar to new heights in the RCAF Run, or ride through scenic routes in the Navy Bike Ride, each event promises a unique blend of challenge, fun, and the chance to honour our armed forces. Signing up is easy, and you can choose to participate in one, two, or all three events to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of these incredible communities. Use code LEGIONEMAIL for any of these events to get 10% off your registration! Event Dates: RCAF Run: March–August 2024 Navy Bike Ride: May–June 2024 Canada Army Run: September 2024 Your membership can help you save 40,300 Legions members have saved a combined total of over 2.2 Million in savings 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. Sign up for MemberPerks® today. It’s free with your Legion membership. Learn more  ‣ 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 April 2024 edition In this edition: • Call for Dominion Member Sports Championship hosts • Legion supports National Police Federation’s recommendations on RCMP mental health • Free mental health first aid course for Veterans and their supporters • The Poppy trademark highlights that the Poppy cannot be placed where it can be walked up • Exclusive offer for Legion Branches – save 30% off Intuit Quickbooks • and more! Messages from affiliated organizations The following information is brought to you by organizations the Legion works closely with, highlighting special offers and other information. Attention all Ottawa-based runners! Save the date for the upcoming Ottawa Tamarack Race Weekend happening on May 25th–26th! Join the Legion National Foundation in honouring Veterans and their families. Lace up your running shoes show your support for Canada’s Heroes. For more information info@lnfcanada.ca. To join our team please visit: https://rb.gy/jyiifj 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 Copyright © 2024 The Royal Canadian Legion. All rights reserved. Administrative emails from Legion National Headquarters are sent to the email address on file for your local Legion Branch. If this is no longer the correct email address for your Branch, please forward this email to the new contact and request the Branch update their contact information. The Branch may update the email address at any time by updating their Branch Profile on the Member Services Website or by contacting Member Services. Learn more about All Branch emails. 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 E-mail: membership@legion.ca