May the 4th be with you: International costume organization brings joy and authenticity to Star Wars Day

Members from the local 501st Legion discuss their love of Star Wars and upcoming charity events to celebrate May the 4.

Sunday is a special day for the Atlantic Garrison of the 501st Legion. The kind of day the unit trained for a long time ago in galaxy far, far away…

Fans created Star Wars Day as a reference to one of the franchise’s best-known catchphrases and the 501st Legion – an official international costuming organization – is calling on its units around the world, including the Atlantic Garrison – to spread the message: May the 4th be with you.

“Bad guys doing good is our motto,” said legion member William Lewis in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Amanda Debison.

“Yes, we’re the bad guys, we’re the empire, we’re supposed to be hunting down the Jedi and the rebels but at the same time, we’re trying to give back to the communities around the world that we actually participate in,” Lewis said.

The legion helps people who are struggling, often through their shared Star Wars fandom and they appear at charity events.

“Give that little joy for their childhood growing up watching the films – the movies, the TV shows or even reading the books,” Lewis said.

They’re all united by their love of Star Wars, said legionnaire Joost Ueffing who remembers watching “Return of the Jedi” in the theatre when he was eight years old.

“It’s the adventure,” Ueffing said. “It’s thinking I could be up in space too.”

Some legionnaires have been on adventures as cast members in the Star Wars universe.

“A number of 501st members have been extras on shows such as The Mandalorian, Ahsoka, Obi Wan Kenobi,” Ueffing said.

To be part of the 501st Legion your costume needs to meet their exacting standards.

“Each of the requirements we have comes from what is seen on film,” Lewis said. “So, it has to be exactly what is on film or close to it.”

Lewis said you become a member once the standards are met and your status is approved but there is room to grow.

“You have the option to progress to exact film setting.”

Lewis said it’s the authenticity that draws people to the legion when they appear at charity events or in parades.

“Kids and adults too, love to get pictures with us,” Ueffing said. “We let them sometimes hold the blaster.” He said the reactions they get are amazing.

To celebrate May the 4th the 501st is attending events across the Maritimes, including three events on P.E.I. and one in New Brunswick. In Nova Scotia, the Atlantic Garrison was invited to attend the Halifax Wanderers’ game on Saturday with its sister organization, the Mando Mercs Costume Club – one of about seven organizations under the 501st umbrella.

There are approximately 20,000 members of the 501st Legion worldwide with 30,000 costumes in 61 countries, all reinforcing the Atlantic Garrison and the Mandalorians which bring about 75 legionnaires to the cause. Lewis said they even have a “Galactic Academy” organization for members under 18 years old.

The Atlantic Garrison can be reached on Facebook and Instagram for anybody who wants to join or host them at a charity event. The 501st Legion can be reached through its website.

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