What is the purpose of The Legion?
The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran and community support organization formed in 1926 following the unity of various World War I Veterans’ organizations. The Legion was founded with the clear purpose of service to the Nation through three distinct channels:
- Care of Veterans and their families;
- Keeping alive public memory of the sacrifices of Canadians in the cause of world peace and thus providing a deterrent to future conflicts;
- Promotion of unity, of thought and of effort among all Canadians leading to the development of a greater Nation.
Since 1926, The Legion has been the leading organization delivering programs to our Veterans and our communities in support of these aims. Our mission is to serve Veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP members and their families; to promote Remembrance; and to serve our communities and our country.
I would like to become a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, how do I apply?
To apply for membership you should visit the branch you wish to join. Members of the branch executive will be pleased to help you with the application process and answer any questions you may have.
For more information, please visit our Membership Section.
What does the Poppy represent?
The Poppy is the international symbol of Remembrance.
When is a Poppy worn?
There is no set period when the Poppy should be worn. In fact, a person may wear a Poppy at any time. Traditionally, however, the Poppy is worn during the Remembrance period, which is from the last Friday in October to the end of the day on November 11. It is also suggested that Poppies be worn at other commemorative events throughout the year, such as the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Britain, a memorial and other similar occasions. The Poppy is also worn by Colour Parties when on parade and by members attending funeral services for veterans.
How is the Poppy worn ?
The Poppy is always worn on the left breast, close to the heart. In inclement weather, the lapel Poppy is worn on the left side of the outer garment.
When should a Poppy be removed?
The lapel Poppy is worn throughout the whole of the Remembrance period. While it is normally removed at the end of the day on November 11, many people now place their Poppy at the base of a cenotaph at the end of the Remembrance Day Ceremony as a sign of respect to veterans.
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day, in one form or another, is celebrated by most countries in the world but at varying times. From a Canadian perspective, it is celebrated in recognition of the time the armistice came into effect – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – when the guns of the First World War fell silent. As this was the war to end all wars it was this time that was selected and has remained so since.
The need for Remembrance Day was in response to a requirement for people to come together to express their grief on the loss of so many loved ones and to remember. In the words of King George V, November 11,
“…is the anniversary of the armistice which stayed the world-wide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of right and freedom. I believe that my people in every part of the Empire fervently wish to perpetuate the memory of that great deliverance and of those who laid down their lives to achieve it.” This day “..affords an opportunity for the universal expression of this feeling.”
Do you have to be a Legion member to get help from the Poppy Fund?
No. Any Veteran or family member is eligible to apply for financial aid from Poppy Funds.
What is the definition of a 'Veteran'?
There was never a definition of a Veteran prior to 2000 for The Legion and prior to 2001 for Veterans Affairs Canada. Even the Pension Act does not have a definition of a Veteran.
As approved at the 45th Dominion Convention held in Edmonton in June 2014, the Legion defines a Veteran as:
A Veteran is any person who is serving or who has honourably served in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth or its wartime allies, or as a regular member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, or as a Peace Officer in a special duty area or on a special duty operation, or who has served in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime.
Veterans Affairs Canada, Canada Remembers, considers any former member of the Canadian Armed Forces who releases with an honourable discharge and who successfully underwent basic training to be a Veteran.