WELLINGTON COUNTY – Beginning Sept. 17, Legion Week will get underway across Ontario and the country.
The annual event, organized by the Royal Canadian Legion, offers communities from coast to coast the opportunity to come together and commemorate and celebrate the valiant efforts and sacrifices of their veterans.
Mount Forest resident Derek Moore has been a Legion member for 45 years and is currently serving as Ontario Command president.
“Legion week provides a time for our Legion branches to get on board and promote all the good things we do,” he said.
“The various branches host wing nights, karaoke, dinners, and that kind of thing. After coming off the summer break, it’s a way to kick off the year for us as well.
“What it basically boils down to is a time for us to open the doors and invite [the public] to see what we do.”
With a total membership of almost 100,000, the Ontario Command of the Legion is the largest service-oriented organization in Ontario.
During the week-long tribute to veterans, the 390 Legion branches in Ontario will host a wide range of events and activities, including ceremonies, educational programs, and fundraising initiatives.
One of the key objectives is to raise awareness about the role of Legions in supporting veterans and their families.
“Our mission statement is to serve veterans, including serving military, RCMP members, and their families, and obviously to promote remembrance, as well as to serve our communities and our country,” said Moore.
“That’s our primary objective. We also have lots of great youth programs.
“This is the first year in quite a few that we’ve actually showed an increase in overall memberships year over year, and that’s a very good sign.”
The Royal Canadian Legion encourages Canadians of all ages to participate in Legion Week events, whether by attending a ceremony, volunteering, or by donating.
The collective efforts help ensure that veterans and their families receive the support they deserve.
As residents across Wellington County come together for Legion Week, they are reminded that honouring veterans is not just an obligation; it is a privilege that allows them to express gratitude for the peace and freedom enjoyed today.
It’s a time to remember, to reflect, and to give back.
Following are some of the events being hosted by Legion branches in and around Wellington County.
Guelph Branch 234
Scottish Festival Sept. 16.
Visit rcl234guelph.ca to learn more.
Elora Branch 229
Sept. 12 – Senior Euchre at 7pm
Sept. 22 – Open Jam with No Name Band at 2pm
Sept 22 – Open mic on Friday night at 8pm
Sept. 23 – Karaoke at 8pm
“Thank you to our veterans and their families for all they have sacrificed for our freedom,” stated Angie Walser.
On Nov. 11 the branch is hosting a veteran banquet, and all are welcome.
Visit eloralegion.ca for more information .
Fergus Branch 275
Sept. 20 – Member Appreciation Day (Food served from 2 to 5pm).
Sept. 20 – General meeting for members at 7:30pm
Sept. 21 – Veterans Social (all veterans welcome) 2 to 4pm.
Sept. 21 – Ladies Auxilary Bingo 7pm (all are welcome).
Sept. 22 – Friday Fun Night 4pm for members and guests.
For more information visit ferguslegion.ca.
Erin Branch 442
September 21 – open house 4pm to close – everyone welcome – Euchre, cribbage, pool or darts – drop in and discover what the Legion is all about.
For more information visit erinlegion.ca.
