Rosetown Legion Branch marking two centennial milestones

The Rosetown Branch No. 66 of the Royal Canadian Legion will mark two historic milestones over the next two years, celebrating both the national organization’s centennial and its own 100th anniversary.

In 2026, Branch No. 66 will join Legion branches across the country in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Legion’s national formation. The following year, in 2027, the Rosetown branch will celebrate 100 years since its own establishment.

Angelika Walker, who does publicity for the Rosetown Legion branch, poses with a sign board of Valentines for Veterans, which is a national initiative, where schoolchildren across Canada create handmade valentines that are sent to Veterans Affairs Canada for distribution to Legion branches. This year, Rosetown Branch No. 66 created a poster board display after learning there were not enough cards to ensure every local veteran would receive one. Photo by David McIver

The Canadian Legion of the British Service League was formally incorporated through a special Act of Parliament on July 17, 1926. The legislation gave the organization a permanent national foundation to support veterans, lead Remembrance initiatives and establish branches across Canada.

Only months later, representatives from more than 800 branches and over 20,000 members gathered in Winnipeg for the first Dominion Convention. National committees were struck to address issues affecting veterans, laying the groundwork for programs that continue to serve communities today — including the annual Poppy Campaign.

That early gathering established a unified national voice for veterans — a legacy that continues a century later. For 100 years, the Legion has stood with veterans, strengthened communities and honoured the memory of those who served.

To mark the centenary year, Canadians who are not already members are invited to join the Legion as Centenary Members at no cost in 2026.

In addition to a complimentary 2026 membership, the Legion has partnered with Ford Dealers of Canada to offer eligible members up to three chances to win a new Ford F-150. Those who join for free and renew for 2027 will be automatically entered.

Throughout the centenary year, Branch No. 66 will share initiatives, activities, events and stories that celebrate its past while looking ahead to the future it continues to build in Rosetown and beyond.