Legion Marks Centennial With Educational Visits

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The Royal Canadian Legion is marking a century of service to veterans, their families and communities across Canada in 2026, celebrating 100 years since the organization was officially incorporated on July 17, 1926.

Locally, Vermilion’s Field Marshal Alexander Branch No. 11 reached its own 100th anniversary on October 8, 2026.

According to the Royal Canadian Legion’s official centennial history, the organization’s roots date back to the First World War, when returning soldiers began forming associations to seek companionship, support and a united voice in advocating for veterans and their families. The Great War Veterans’ Association, established on April 10, 1917, became one of Canada’s largest veterans’ organizations and was among the groups that united to form the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League on November 25, 1925. The organization was officially incorporated by an Act of Parliament on July 17, 1926. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II granted permission for the organization to use the designation “Roya

l,” and it officially became the Royal Canadian Legion in 1961.

Although Vermilion’s Branch No. 11 received its official Legion charter on October 8, 1926, its roots extend further back through the local Great War Veterans’ Association, which existed before the branch became part of the national organization.

To mark its centennial and continue its commitment to educating younger generations about Canada’s military history, Field Marshal Alexander Branch No. 11 organized a series of special visits for students from three area schools.

Grade 12 students from J.R. Robson School visited the Legion on October 20, followed by the Social 30 class from St. Jerome’s Catholic School on October 21 and Grade 12 students from Mannville School on October 23.

Each visit included a presentation by Lieutenant-Colonel Jocelyn Roy, a serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed at CFB Wainwright, followed by a guided tour of the Legion’s historical displays.

Lieutenant-Colonel Roy delivered a slideshow presentation outlining his military career, including his education at the Royal Military College and deployments to Afghanistan and Latvia. He also discussed domestic operations, including flood response efforts in Quebec and the Canadian Armed Forces’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Currently serving as chief of staff at the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright, Lieutenant-Colonel Roy explained how Canadian soldiers undergo training and exercises to prepare for overseas deployments. Through photographs and personal experiences, he provided students with insight into military life and the responsibilities of those serving Canada.

Turning his attention to Remembrance Day, Lieutenant-Colonel Roy emphasized the importance of remembering the individuals behind the sacrifices.

“For me, it’s the people. It’s the people that we remember. It’s not about glory or violence or war. We remember those that have given everything for Canada,” Lieutenant-Colonel Roy told the students.

He also spoke about the personal sacrifices that come with military service.

“Long nights away from home. We miss anniversaries, birthdays. You know, I miss so many of my kids’ birthdays because I was away. We have some injuries. Some of them are physical. Some of them are mental. And some make the ultimate sacrifice,” Lieutenant-Colonel Roy said.

During his presentation, Lieutenant-Colonel Roy shared stories of Canadian soldiers who lost their lives in service, as well as a soldier who continued his military career after suffering serious injuries in Afghanistan.

Following the presentation, Lieutenant-Colonel Roy answered students’ questions and encouraged them to approach him throughout their visit if they wanted to learn more.

The students then participated in a guided tour of the Legion’s historical displays, where Peter Clark, one of the Branch Service Officers for the Royal Canadian Legion’s Field Marshal Alexander Branch No. 11, shared the story of a young Canadian airman who received the Victoria Cross for bravery during the First World War, highlighting the courage of soldiers who were not much older than

the students themselves.

Students also viewed collections of military medals, regimental badges, uniforms and photographs, along with displays documenting the service of soldiers from the County of Vermilion River, including those who lost their lives overseas.

The tour also highlighted the branch’s role in preserving military history from neighbouring communities. Following the closure of the former Mannville Legion, historical documents and memorabilia were entrusted to the Vermilion branch for safekeeping.

Following its October 21 visit, St. Jerome’s Catholic School expressed its appreciation in a post on its Facebook page.

“Our Social 30 class had the opportunity to visit the Vermilion Legion to learn about some of the Legion’s history and what services it provides for Canadian veterans. We also had the pleasure of hearing from a current service member from CFB Wainwright, who shared with us his experience in the Canadian Armed Forces. We would like to thank the Vermilion Legion for the informative experience,” the school stated.

Each school visit was held from 10:30 a.m. until noon, except for St. Jerome’s who arrived at 12:30p.m. with students also enjoying a pizza lunch provided as part of the experience.

Beyond the centennial celebrations, Field Marshal Alexander Branch No. 11 has a long history of supporting veterans, preserving military history and contributing to the surrounding communities.

Among its contributions is financial support for hot lunch programs at five area schools, including Vermilion Elementary, J.R. Robson, St. Jerome’s Catholic, Mannville and Innisfree Delnorte. The branch has also supported student achievement through academic awards and an achievement award at Lakeland College’s Fire Emergency Training Centre, as well as four $1,000 bursaries this year to support post-secondary studies of veteran descendants. The Legion also provides financial support to the local Army Cadet unit that meets at the Vermilion Armouries.

The Legion’s connection to local military history dates back generations. In 1930, the Great War Veterans’ Association erected Vermilion’s cenotaph, which was unveiled on August 4 of that year and continues to serve as a place of remembrance for the community.

More recently, Legion members have been involved in restoring the soldiers’ plot at the Vermilion Public Cemetery, including improvements to grave markers and the addition of a gazebo.

The branch also helped preserve the historic Lt. Col. W.C. Craig Armoury. In 1992, under the leadership of Comrade Bernie Bowers, the Legion purchased the building from the Town of Vermilion for $2. In 2022, ownership was transferred to the Lt. Col. W.C. Craig Armoury Historical Society.

Along with its annual Remembrance Day ceremonies and Poppy Campaign, the Legion introduced a Veterans Appreciation Dinner in 2024 to recognize local veterans and thank them for their service.

The branch has also encouraged youth participation in remembrance through the National Youth Remembrance Contest, inviting students to express their understanding of Canada’s military history through artwork, poetry and essays.

As the Royal Canadian Legion and Vermilion’s Field Marshal Alexander Branch No. 11 mark their centennial anniversaries, the milestone recognizes generations of veterans, volunteers and community members who have contributed to the organization’s history while highlighting the importance of passing the traditions of service and remembrance to future generations.