‘Keeps the history alive’: Royal Canadian Legion celebrates centennial

A push is underway in the Edmonton area to get new people involved in the Royal Canadian Legion as the organization struggles to stay viable after 100 years.

As Remembrance Day nears, the Royal Canadian Legion is not only remembering those who fought for our country, it is also celebrating its centennial.

The non-profit veterans’ organization was founded in 1925 and includes members who served in the military, RCMP, provincial and municipal police, as well as members of the Royal Canadian Air, Army and Sea Cadets.

Winnipeg was home to the first legion as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League and expanded following the Second World War throughout the country.

The first Royal Canadian Legion in Edmonton was chartered in 1926 as the Montgomery Branch #24. Due to low enrollment in the 1990s, the legion was disbanded.

Richard Etmanski, president of the Kingsway Legion, says it’s important to stay involved with the legions so people can learn the stories of veterans.

“It keeps the history of how we got here alive so kids nowadays, who have never had to deal with conflict or any strife, can enjoy the life they live and remind them what sacrifice was given,” said Etmanski.

Etmanski, who is also chairman of the Greater Edmonton Poppy Fund, served with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1969 until he retired in 2004.

For many smaller communities, legions serve as one of the sole gathering places for members and non-members alike.

“It’s not just military members keeping these legions going, because in smaller towns, all they have is their associate members, which are people that have never served or have no affiliation with the military,” explained Etmanski. “Right now, they’re the backbone of a lot of these smaller legions … It’s very important to keep having younger people join the legions.”

Even legions in cities are struggling, like the Norwood branch, which sold its building in February after 67 years in operation. It is unknown if the branch will move to a new location or disband.

Legions host a variety of events including dances, bingo and live music, while serving drinks and food. On Nov. 15, the Kingsway branch will be hosting a Grey Cup watch party.

“If you want to be a member of the legion, the doors are always open,” said Etmanski.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nahreman Issa