Royal Canadian Legion marks 100 years of helping veterans

For a century the Royal Canadian Legion has stood alongside Canada’s veterans, helping them navigate life after military service while ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.

The legion was celebrated in Regina on Friday, with members, veterans and community supporters gathering outside City Hall to mark the organization’s 100th anniversary with a ceremonial flag raising.

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The event was more than a just a celebration of the legion’s longevity, however, as it served as a reminder of the organization’s enduring role in Saskatchewan communities.

“It’s huge for us,” said Roberta Taylor, provincial president of the Saskatchewan Command of the Royal Canadian Legion.

“Any organization that sustains 100 years of service has something to celebrate, and we’re certainly proud to be here today.”

Roberta Taylor, provincial president of the Saskatchewan Command of the Royal Canadian Legion, said remembrance is one of the legion’s three pillars. (Joshua Potter/980 CJME)

The Royal Canadian Legion was founded in 1926 to support veterans returning from the First World War. Since then, it has expanded its mission to assist veterans of every generation while becoming a cornerstone in communities across the country.

In Saskatchewan, the legion now has 162 branches serving communities large and small.

“We’ve stood the test of time, and we continue to work to advocate on their behalf and to support their needs and the needs of their dependents,” Taylor said.

While the legion’s mission began with First World War veterans, its work has continued through every generation of Canadian service members.

Taylor said today’s veterans often require support that goes well beyond financial assistance.

“They need help,” she said. “(Because) there are still veterans that are homeless (and) anybody who has put their life on the line for my freedom should never be homeless.”

The centennial celebration also served as an opportunity to recognize the legion’s contributions beyond the veteran community.

“We work with all of the schools throughout Canada on the Remembrance Day poster poem and essay or the youth remembrance contest,” Taylor explained.

It is our goal to ensure that nobody ever forgets the sacrifices that were made on our behalf.”

Legion member Lynette Evans said there are still young veterans who rely on their support and that it’s important they continue to help. (Joshua Potter/980 CJME)

Longtime legion member Lynette Evans said the legion’s work remains just as important today, even as the membership changes with each passing generation.

She added there are those who still rely on the organization’s support.

“There are always younger veterans coming from Afghanistan and the different other troubled spots,” Evans said. “(The anniversary) is rewarding because you get to see the benefits of the legion’s support to these individuals.”

Veteran Darwin Dopson, who served as a signalman in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, said the anniversary is an important occasion to thank those who served and helped shape Canada. (Joshua Potter/980 CJME)

Veteran Darwin Dopson, who served as a signalman in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, said for him the anniversary represents an opportunity to thank everyone who served the country.

“It’s a recognition of the sacrifice that many of our members made over the years,” Dopson said.

“Many people do not recognize the number of soldiers who have been lost in peacekeeping missions, so it’s important to recognize everyone that has served.”

Dopson, who had three uncles serve overseas, said much of the legion’s work happens quietly, often stepping in when veterans or their families have nowhere else to turn.

“We’ve recently just helped someone put a new roof on their house,” he said. “We’ve helped people who couldn’t afford repairs, (so) there’s no limit to what we will try to do for our members.”

Reid Hill, president at Regina’s Branch No. 001, said Saskatchewan Command is offering free memberships throughout 2026 to encourage new volunteers. (Joshua Potter/980 CJME)

Regina’s Branch No. 001 president Reid Hill said that commitment continues to define the organization as it enters its second century having survived many ups and downs and the anniversary shows “continuation of being one of the most important veterans assistance programs in our country.”

Hill, whose aunt and uncle served Germany and Cyprus respectively, said recent initiatives such as Buddy Check Coffee, Leave the Streets Behind and the Veterans Emergency Fund show how the legion continues adapting to the changing needs of veterans.

“We never say no to a veteran. If Veterans Affairs can’t help them, that’s what we’re here for,” he said.

Beyond emergency assistance, Taylor said the legion continues investing in communities through school food programs, bursaries, remembrance education and volunteer work at civic events across Saskatchewan.

“Remembrance is one of our three pillars,” she said. “It is our goal to ensure that nobody ever forgets the sacrifices that were made on our behalf.”

As the organization begins its second century, many hope more people will become involved. Membership is now open to everyone, and Saskatchewan Command is offering free memberships throughout 2026 to encourage new volunteers.

“If you need us, we’re here,” Hill expressed. “Our goal (and) whole purpose is to help them.”

Read more:

• Gov. Gen. Arbour pays tribute to the Royal Canadian Legion on its 100th birthday
• Faces from the past: Regina Legion Museum brings forgotten stories back to life
• Canada’s veteran population is dwindling fast. Here are the numbers