There's a seat for you during Legion Week

Sep 12, 2007

ALMAGUIN – Across the Highlands and across Ontario people will be flocking to Royal Canadian Legion branches in droves during the week of Sept. 16 to 22, 2007. That’s when Ontario's Legion Week will officially be held, and events planned – which vary by branch – can include everything from all-terrain vehicle rallies, to open houses to dances.

But one thing is constant across Ontario: Legion Week is the perfect time to get information from and to ask questions about your community’s legion branch.

“It’s an opportunity for branches to show to their communities what they’re all about,” says Robyn Zettler, assistant executive director of the Ontario Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. “(Branches) invite the public in, and they might have displays on how their branch formed and the different active committees such as track and field and the bursaries. It’s a great opportunity for people to come in and ask some questions.”

With 400,000 members and affiliates across Canada – and another 40,000 registered members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary – the Royal Canadian Legion is by far the largest veterans’ organization in Canada. Non-profit and dues-supported, membership is open to all Canadian citizens. Have you ever thought of joining the legion? If you have, Legion Week is a great time to check out the camaraderie and the support system offered by these caring branches.

“Legion Week was started to bring awareness to the communities about the local branches, about what they do in the community, on a national and on a provincial level,” says Bob Butt, director of communications for Dominion Canada.

The legion fights for pensions and benefits for veterans and their dependents and advocates on the behalf of veterans. They also focus on the tradition of remembrance in Canada, and you will no doubt be familiar with their National Poppy and Remembrance Campaign. When you pin a poppy on your lapel you remember the tremendous sacrifice of the more than 117,000 men and women who gave their lives in defence of Canada.

But the legions do a whole lot more for their communities as well. Programs for seniors, community-level activities, housing programs, youth programs, scholarships, sports programs, support to cadets, scouts, and guides: your legion is active in your community.

Why not stop in to your local Almaguin Highlands Royal Canadian Legion branch during Legion Week? Talk to the members, learn about this great organization. It’s the first step to becoming a member yourself.