Members and their invited guests celebrated two milestone anniversaries at Royal Canadian Legion Cold Lake Branch 211 on September 12. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the 80th anniversary of the Cold Lake branch.
Approximately 100 attendees were joined by dignitaries including MLA Scott Cyr and Cold Lake mayor Bob Mattice.
Lieutenant Colonel Ian Golding and Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Paul Mooney, acting 4 Wing Commander and 4 Wing CWO respectively, represented RCAF 4 Wing.
Member of Parliament Laila Goodridge and the Legion’s Alberta – NWT Command were unable to attend, but sent greetings.
Branch president Todd Rorke said the Legion’s connection with serving military personnel is a cornerstone of its mission. “I want to keep them in tune with us here and episodes like this,” he said. “They still keep the Legion in the back of their mind, and they’re always inviting me and my executive to the base for their functions too.
“We’re patting each other on the back, which is always good to see.”
Legion branches across the country serve veterans through programs including the Legion Service Bureau, which provides personal advocacy and navigation support to veterans dealing with Veterans Affairs Canada; through service officers at the local branch level; through financial support for veterans and the community at large; and by disbursing Poppy Fund monies in direct support of veterans.
Branches observe and promote Remembrance activities in honour of Canadians killed in military service. They also offer a safe and friendly social setting for veterans and other members.
The Legion has its roots among several organizations created by veterans after the First World War. The different associations came together to create the Royal Canadian Legion in 1926 “and it just carried on through,” Rorke said.
“We’re supporting veterans from every conflict that Canada and the Commonwealth have been part of, and we’re here for even the future conflicts that will come,” he said.
“It’s good to know for the veterans, we have their back. If they need us, all they have to do is call us and we’ll help anytime as best we can. That’s our main goal and that is our mandate.”
The Legion is offering free first-time memberships during its centennial year. Veterans and others who support the Legion’s values, goals, and activities are welcome to join. Information and application forms are available at local branches across the country.
Rorke was happy with to see Branch 211 members come out to celebrate the centennial of the Legion and 80 years for Branch 211.
“It shows that our membership is supporting the branch and they’re happy to come out and help us celebrate both those milestones,” he said.
