Exeter Legion reflects on a century of service

Exeter Legion R.E. Pooley Branch 167.

By Dan Rolph

It can be difficult to fathom how much has happened in the span of 100 years. In that period the world has seen the Second World War, the invention of computers, the moon landings and more recently the introduction of artificial intelligence.

But even though the world has vastly changed over those years, the Royal Canadian Legion has continued to be there, helping veterans and building communities.

The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League was founded Nov. 25, 1925, when a group of organizations met in Winnipeg with a shared purpose of supporting veterans and preserving their memory. The organization dropped “British Empire” from its name in 1959, and was later granted royal patronage by Queen Elizabeth II, making it the Royal Canadian Legion that is known across Canada today.

To Exeter Legion president Barb Willard, that 100-year milestone is remarkable.

“For a non-profit organization to be able to survive is absolutely phenomenal,” she said.

For 96 years of the Legion’s history, Exeter R.E. Pooley Branch 167 has been a part of the community. Chartered April 23, 1930, originally as the Exeter Branch of the British Empire Service League, it later became the Exeter-Hensall Branch. In 1967, it was named R.E. Pooley Branch 167 in honour of the former Exeter mayor and prominent Legion member.

According to Willard, the Legion’s founding created a place where veterans could find a community of people who understood their experiences.

“They needed some place to go, somewhere to meet where the people knew what they were actually going through,” she said. “Back then, there was no name for post-traumatic stress disorder like there is today. There was no name for it. They needed a place to get together to be able to not only vent, but feel like they belonged.”

Today, the organization helps to connect veterans and their families to mental health services, offers financial assistance through grants, provides support to veterans experiencing homelessness and more. As a non-profit organization, the funds raised by the Exeter branch, and branches across Canada, go toward supporting veterans.

The impact of the Legion has stretched far beyond its walls over the years, reaching out into the community it serves. In Exeter, the Legion offers finesses classes, community concerts, exciting events and more. The Exeter branch also supports other local initiatives and groups, such as athletic associations and clubs.

But Willard said the work the Legion does is only possible with the support of the community it serves.

“Without the community supporting us, we can’t support the other things that are going on in town,” she said.

The Exeter branch is just one of many that serve the region, with local branches also including Grand Bend, Hensall and Lucan.

One thing they all share in common, however, is their commitment to keeping the memory of those who have served their country alive. That commitment can be seen most clearly during annual Remembrance Day services.

In Exeter, the annual service is held on the Sunday before Nov. 11, where the community is invited to the Exeter cenotaph for a morning that honours veterans.

While speaking about the support the Legion and veterans are shown by the community each year, Willard pointed to the 2025 Remembrance Day service, where the weather was cold and snowy, yet Main Street was still lined with those who showed up to remember.

“It’s very heartwarming to have that kind of support,” said Willard. “We realize that when we are doing it, we’re doing it for the right reason, and that is remembrance.”

Additionally, the Exeter branch ensures members of the Legion are present for other Remembrance Day services in the community, including five that are held in local schools.

The events around Remembrance Day also include the well-known national poppy campaign — the Legion’s biggest fundraiser of the year that supports its many programs.

“What those donations do is help veterans,” said Willard. “The branch cannot spend that money unless it’s towards a veteran.”

In recognition of the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary, branches across the country are accepting new members and waiving the membership fee for them.For the Exeter branch, the free membership has seen its ranks grow by more than 20 members just halfway through the year, far surpassing the usual annual numbers.

“That’s a big jump,” said Exeter Legion vice-president Jonathon Roulston.

As the Royal Canadian Legion marks its 100th anniversary, the Exeter branch, and branches throughout the region, continue to carry forward a mission rooted in remembrance, service and community support.