Paris Legion marks 100 years of service with anniversary celebrations, community projects

Members of Paris Legion Branch 29 marked the Royal Canadian Legion's 100th anniversary with cake and a community barbecue on Saturday, July 18, just one of a series of local events leading up to the branch's own centennial celebration this October. In addition to recognizing a century of service to Veterans and their families, Branch 29 is inviting the community to take part in several commemorative projects, including a national remembrance mural and the creation of large poppy blanket displays for Remembrance Day. Pictured, left to right, are Roy Haggart, Chuck Prystupa, Rick Cudmore and Barry Humphrey, with Henry Foster seated in the front.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The Royal Canadian Legion officially marked its 100th anniversary on July 17, with local celebrations continuing the following day as members of Branch 29 in Paris gathered with residents for cake and a community barbecue.

The July 18 event coincided with the branch's regular summer weekend barbecue but also served as an opportunity to recognize a century of service, remembrance and advocacy for Canada's Veterans.

While the national organization celebrated its centennial on July 17, the date the Canadian Legion was formally incorporated in 1926, Paris Branch 29 will hold its own major celebration in early October to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the local branch receiving its charter.

The Royal Canadian Legion traces its roots to the aftermath of the First World War, when thousands of wounded and disabled Canadian Veterans returned home to limited government support. Veterans formed numerous organizations to advocate for better care, benefits and recognition, with the Great War Veterans' Association eventually leading efforts to unite those groups into what became The Royal Canadian Legion.

For the past century, the Legion has served as an advocate for Veterans and their families while promoting remembrance and strengthening communities through volunteerism and local service.

As part of the centennial year, Branch 29 is inviting residents to take part in several community initiatives leading up to its October celebrations.

One project encourages visitors to stop by the branch at 70 William St. to write a personal message of remembrance. Messages collected before July 30 will be sent to Ottawa on July 31 to become part of a national commemorative mural recognizing the Legion's 100th anniversary.

The branch is also continuing its ambitious Poppy Netting project, which has already seen volunteers attach more than 10,000 hand-knit and crocheted poppies to netting. Once completed, the large poppy blankets will be draped over the Paris Cenotaph on Remembrance Day before being displayed at other locations throughout the community as part of the centennial celebrations.

Additional Poppy Netting Bees are scheduled for Wednesday, July 22 and Wednesday, July 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Legion branch. Organizers say no experience is necessary, and community members are encouraged to attend, help with the project and support an initiative that will become a lasting tribute during the Legion's milestone year.

Branch 29's formal 100th anniversary celebrations are planned for the first weekend in October, commemorating a century of service to Veterans and the Paris community.