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Legion Week Celebrates 93 years of service
Starting June 24-30, the BC/Yukon Command of the Royal Canadian Legion is hosting events in 78 communities across B.C. and the Yukon to celebrate Legion Week 2019, including Cranbrook, Edgewater, Fernie and Windermere (Invermere).
“Legion Week builds festive momentum leading up to Canada Day and honours the duty, service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said David Whittier, Executive Director of the BC/Yukon Command. “Drop in to your local legion and enjoy face painting, barbecues, concerts and all kinds of fun and entertainment for families and community members alike.”
Events are taking place across BC and the Yukon, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate and learn more about Canada’s history. It is part of the B.C. and Yukon governments’ official proclamations of Legion Week as a testament to the dedicated community service of the Royal Canadian Legion, a cornerstone of Canadian communities for 93 years.
The Cranbrook Legion held its event June 15, with its Colour Guard marching in the Sam Steele Parade (pictured above) and a public barbecue at the branch following.
The Edgewater Legion is hosting a community barbecue on June 29.
Fernie Legion is inviting guests and members to an evening of ‘Meet n Greet’ following the meat draw on Saturday, June 29. There will be a barbecue and one keg, courtesy of the Legion, along with live music; suitable for old and young.
The Windermere (Invermere) Legion is hosting an open house and community barbecue with free hot dogs and non-alcoholic refreshments held in conjunction with out summer market on June 29. The day will conclude with a second quarter in-house potluck.
On Canada Day the Legion will also organize the Canada Day Parade in Invermere, which is open to all the public to watch and participate in.
“During Legion Week and throughout the year, we welcome people from every corner of the community to visit their local legion to celebrate and learn about our country’s proud past,” said Whittier. “Membership is open to all citizens and we encourage community members to join their local legion and participate in building Canada’s legacy of diversity, vibrancy and strength.”
Fast facts about the Royal Canadian Legion:
The Legion is a developer of veteran and senior affordable and assisted living housing in B.C.
o Over 4,500 units in 70 facilities
The Legion Poppy Campaign raises around $2,500,000 per year for services and support in B.C.
o Grants for Veterans and their families in need;
o Veteran transition programs;
o Comforts for Veterans and their spouses who are hospitalized and in need;
o Support to Cadet units;
o A network of Branch and Command Service Officers across the province;
o Donations for disaster relief;
o Promotion and administration of Remembrance activities.
The BC/Yukon Legion Foundation gives more than $500,000 a year to support veterans and strengthen communities.
o Research and treatment of trauma and PTSD;
o Cockrell House provides shelter, food and support services to Veterans who are homeless or under-housed;
o The Veterans Transition Network provides group-based counselling and transition programs to help military members to overcome barriers to their transition to civilian life;
o Medical and other equipment for seniors’ care;
o Veteran programs like the Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs;
The branches in BC/Yukon Command raise $1.2 million/year through gaming which is re-invested in community programs.
Lead image: Cranbrook Royal Canadian Legion once again led the way in the Sam Steele Days Parade June 16. Carrie Schafer/e-KNOW photo
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