The Royal Canadian Legion-history

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario - Oct. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- The Royal Canadian Legion

The Legion is the largest of the many Veterans Organizations in Canada with over 358,000 members. The Legion is a non-profit organization with no financial assistance from an outside agency. Since 1926 the legion aims to secure pension benefits for veterans and their families from the Federal Government.

Through the annual Poppy Campaign Canadians area reminded of the 117,000 men and women who gave their live in the wars and military missions around the world. Poppy funds provide assistance to veterans, ex-service members and their families who are in need. The Legion supports programs for seniors, community housing, Long term Care, sports, Cadets, Guides, and Scouts.

In 1918 there were veteran’s groups and regimental associations. In 1925 they became the Dominion Veterans Alliance. The Legion was founded in Winnipeg in November 1925 and was called the Canadian legion of the British Empire Services league (BESL). BESL is now known as the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League (RCEL) with 57 member organizations from 47 nations. In 1960 “Royal” was added to the Legion’s name with the Queen’s consent.

The Legion is dedicated to the care of Canadian veterans and the perpetuation of Remembrance.