• Where do I get information on a relative who had Canadian military service?
• Library and Archives Canada maintains the personnel records of people who have served in Canada's military forces. There is a web site with a guide that can help a person access these records at Library and Archives Canada Please note that the Archives only accepts requests by regular mail. Requests should contain all the information the person has on the person in question. Please note that the Legion does not keep these kinds of records.
• Where do I get information on a relative who had foreign military service?
• The Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of the country in which the person had the service would be contacted to get the proper address to which one should pose the query.

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Bursaries, Scholarships & Contests

• Where do I get information on Legion Bursaries and Scholarships?
• Legion Bursaries and Scholarships are the purview of the Legion's branches and Provincial Commands. There is no national level program. One should start by contacting the nearest Legion branch to get information. Some commands have web sites with information on them on this subject. To connect with Provincial Command web sites, or to get contact information for mailing or phoning the commands, go to www.legion.ca where there is a Provincial Commands list in which you will find links to the sites.
• What are the deadlines for the Poster Essay and Poetry Contests?
• Please contact your local Legion branch for details as they are responsible for the initial level of judging in the contests. Entries are judged at the branch, zone, district and provincial levels before they are sent to the national level. Entries at the national level are due to Dominion Command by the end of February each year.

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Membership

• Can I renew my membership online?
• No, Membership dues must be paid to the branch you are a member of.
• I would like to become a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, how do I apply?
• To apply for membership you should visit the branch you wish to join. Members of the branch executive will be pleased to help you with the application process and answer any questions you may have. To find a branch nearest to you check the white pages of your local telephone directory under the heading "Royal Canadian Legion" or for more information visit the Membership Section on our website.
• What are the requirements for becoming a Legion member?
• Any Canadian citizen, Commonwealth subject or citizen of an Allied country who is of federal voting age is eligible for membership. However, there are three categories of membership each with different criteria. To determine which category you qualify for visit the Membership Section on our website or visit your local Legion branch.
• How much is a membership/ How much is this year's dues?
• Dues vary from branch to branch as each branch sets it’s own rates; however, an average rate would be between $40.00 and $50.00 a year. To find out the dues for a particular branch you should contact that branch directly.
• If I transfer my membership to another branch, do I have to be initiated again?
• No, you need only participate in the initiation process once.
• My membership has lapsed and I wish to reinstate it, how do I do this?
• You may reinstate your membership in any branch. Contact the branch you wish to belong to and they will assist you in the reinstatement process.
• I would like to obtain some information regarding my ancestors who may or may not have been former members of The Royal Canadian Legion.
• Recent Canadian privacy legislation prevents the Legion from providing any information on individual members to an outside party. If the individual had Canadian military service and you can provide enough information to distinguish him/her from others of the same name, you could submit a notice for the Lost Trails section of Legion Magazine in the hope that someone can identify your relative and then contact you. Your may submit your request to, Lost Trails at magazine@legion.ca.
• I am trying to locate a fellow I served with during the war can you help me find him?
• Recent Canadian privacy legislation prevents the Legion from providing any information on individual members to an outside party. If the individual had Canadian military service and you can provide enough information to distinguish him/her from others of the same name, you could submit a notice for the Lost Trails section of Legion Magazine in the hope that someone can identify your relative and then contact you. Your may submit your request to, Lost Trails at magazine@legion.ca.
• Is it possible to submit a change of address on-line?
• You can change your address on-line at the following address:
  www.legionmagazine.com/en/index.php/change-of-address/
• I am not receiving my Legion magazine.
• There are a number of reasons why a member may not be receiving their Legion Magazine.
  • Your magazine was returned from Canada Post as undeliverable; therefore delivery was cancelled pending receipt of a new address. If you have recently moved, you may change your address on-line at: www.legionmagazine.com/en/magazine/
  • Your membership has been cancelled for non-payment of dues and your magazine subscription has expired because your renewal payment was not received by Dominion Command by January 31. If you have paid your dues, check with your branch to determine if your payment has been submitted to Dominion Command for processing. Once payment has been processed, it takes six to eight weeks for delivery to resume.
  • We have been notified that you no longer wish to receive the magazine. Contact your branch to have delivery reactivated.
• Where can I obtain a copy of military service documents?
• For information on military service you should contact the Services Branch - Personnel Records Unit at the Library and Archives of Canada. You can contact them via the internet at: Library and Archives Canada or via mail or phone/fax at:

  Services Branch - Personnel Records Unit
  Library and Archives Canada
  395 Wellington Street
  Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4
  Phone: (613) 996-5115
  Fax: (613) 947-8456
  Tollfree: 1-866-578-7777 (Can & US)

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Branches

• Where can I find the address and phone number for the branch of The Royal Canadian Legion nearest to me?
• Branches are listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory under the heading "Royal Canadian Legion".

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Service Documents

• Where can I obtain a copy of military service documents?
• For information on military service information you should contact the Personnel Records Centre at the National Archives of Canada. You can contact them via the internet at: Library and Archives Canada or via mail at:

  Personnel Records Centre
  National Archives of Canada
  395 Wellington St
  Ottawa, ON K1A 0N3

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Poppy & Remembrance

• What does the Poppy represent?
• The Poppy is the international symbol of Remembrance.
• Why should I wear a Poppy?
• When you wear a Poppy or display a wreath, you honour the war dead and help ex-service personnel and their dependants.
• Who Should Wear a Poppy?
• Everyone should be encouraged to wear a Poppy as it is a way for all Canadians to honour the memory of the thousands of Canadians who gave their lives in the defence of freedom. This freedom, however, also means having the right to choose and it is a person’s right not to wear a Poppy if they choose not to.
• When is a Poppy worn?
• There is no set period when the Poppy should be worn. In fact, a person may wear a Poppy at any time. Traditionally, however, the Poppy is worn during the Remembrance period, which is from the last Friday in October to the end of the day on 11 November. It is also suggested that Poppies be worn at other commemorative events throughout the year, such as the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Britain, a memorial service at a Legion Convention and other similar occasions.The Poppy is also worn by Colour Parties when on parade and by members attending funeral services for veterans.
• How is the Poppy worn ?
• The Poppy is always worn on the left breast, close to the heart. In inclement weather, the lapel Poppy is worn on the left side of the outer garment.
• Can I attach the Poppy to clothing with another type of pin?
• There have been many queries related to the wearing of the lapel Poppy, specifically as it relates to using a Canada flag pin or other such fastening device in the center of the Poppy.
  
  It is the position of the Legion that the Poppy is the sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be defaced in any way. No other pin, therefore, should be used to attach it to clothing.
  
  While this should be the practice of all Legionnaires, it is recognized that the Legion cannot control its form of wear by the public. It is undoubtedly better to wear a Poppy with a Canadian flag in the center than not to wear a Poppy at all. The best that we can do is to encourage Legionnaires to wear it properly.
  
  We are constantly seeking ways to improve the quality of the Lapel Poppy fastener and suggestions are always welcome. We have tried a protective sheath, which was placed over the end of the Poppy pin. There were 100,000 in circulation. The Legion branches were requested to report on the acceptance or rejection of this initiative and the vast majority reported that the sheath was rejected as Canadians preferred to receive the Poppy in its traditional form.
• Are other types of Poppies available?
• While the Lapel Poppy is the most popular, the Legion also has car Poppies, large table Poppies and a metal lapel Poppy pin with the words “We Remember” in a bottom banner. All items are available through local Legion branches.
  
  A Poppy sticker suitable for placing on clothing continues to be investigated. The current Poppy stickers are intended for use on stationary only and may cause damage if placed on certain articles of clothing.
• When should a Poppy be removed?
• The lapel Poppy is worn throughout the whole of the Remembrance period. While it is normally removed at the end of the day on 11 November, many people now place their Poppy at the base of the cenotaph at the end of the Remembrance Day Ceremony as a sign of respect to veterans. This is fully acceptable.
• Is the Poppy center green or black?
• The centre of the Lapel Poppy was originally black but was changed to green more than twenty years ago to represent the green fields of France. In 2002, the centre was changed back to black to reflect the actual colours of the Poppies in Flanders a red flower with a black centre. It is intended that the black centre will remain as the standard for the production of all future Poppy material.
• What is Remembrance Day?
• Remembrance Day, in one form or another, is celebrated by most countries in the world but at varying times. From a Canadian perspective, it is celebrated in recognition of the time the armistice came into effect – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – when the guns of the First World War fell silent. As this was the war to end all wars it was this time that was selected and has remained so since.
  
  The need for Remembrance Day was in response to a requirement for people to come together to express their grief on the loss of so many loved ones and to remember. In the words of King George V, 11 November,
  
  
  
  “…is the anniversary of the armistice which stayed the world-wide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of right and freedom. I believe that my people in every part of the Empire fervently wish to perpetuate the memory of that great deliverance and of those who laid down their lives to achieve it.” This day “..affords an opportunity for the universal expression of this feeling.”
• How is Remembrance perpetuated?
• One of the issues for The Royal Canadian Legion is the task that we face to keep the tradition of Remembrance relevant in the 21st Century. This can only be done through the cooperation of persons such as yourself who recognize the need for Remembrance. We have also partnered with other organizations and government departments to encourage the teaching of history in our schools and to develop learning materials and teaching aids. We, as an organization, remain committed to doing all that we can to achieve this goal.
• What is the annual Poppy Campaign?
• Each Legion branch organizes an annual campaign to provide Canadians with an opportunity to obtain and wear a Poppy. This is done by Legion members, often assisted by youth groups such as cadets and scouts, who volunteer to conduct door-to-door canvassing and set-up locations throughout the community where individuals may obtain a Poppy. Many commercial businesses also welcome Poppy trays in their outlets to assist the Legion with this important work.
• How much do Poppies cost?
• Poppies are never sold or purchased – people make a contribution for the Poppy they wear.
• How much should I give?
• We suggest that you give according to the dictates of your conscience. As with most things, the cost of all benefits the Poppy Fund provides for our veterans continues to rise, therefore, it takes more money to do the same job. When you give to the Poppy Campaign, you are remembering the sacrifices of the war dead but are also helping the living and the dependants of those who have served our country.
• Are campaign expenses high?
• Campaign expenses are unusually low because most of the work is voluntary.
• Does all the money raised through the distribution of Poppies and Wreaths go into Poppy Funds?
• After expenses are deducted, such as the cost of poppies, wreaths and other supplies, all remaining monies are placed in trust to be used in the benevolent support of veterans and their dependants and in the promotion of Remembrance.
• How is the Poppy money held?
• The Legion's constitution stresses that Poppy Funds must be held in trust. They are subscribed to by the public, are held in a bank account separate from that of the branch and cannot be used for any purpose other than those stipulated.
• Do you have to be a Legion member to get help from the Poppy Fund?
• No. Any ex-serviceman or woman or dependant is eligible to apply for financial aid from Poppy Funds. The Poppy Funds also support the Legion Service Bureau, and a large number of Service Bureau cases involve people who are not Legion members.
• Are there any other uses for Poppy Funds?
• Yes. Poppy Funds can be used for low-rental housing and care facilities, community medical appliances and medical research, drop-in centres, meals-on-wheels, transportation and related services for veterans and their dependants. These facilities and services are often extended to the elderly or disabled in the community as may be available in conjunction with veterans. Donations may also be given for relief of disasters declared by the federal or provincial governments.
• How do I help needy ex-service personnel and their dependants?
• The basic purpose of Poppy Funds is to provide immediate assistance to ex-servicemen and women in need. This may include food, shelter or medical attention for them or their families. Also, education bursaries are granted to children and grandchildren of ex-service personnel.
• When can I make a donation to the Poppy Trust Fund?
• You can make a donation at any time throughout the year.
• How can I donate to the Poppy fund?
• You can make a cheque or money order payable to the "Poppy Trust Fund" and give it to your local Legion Branch or mail it to one of the Legion’s Provincial Commands.

The addresses for the different provincial funds are:

The address for Dominion Command is:

Poppy Trust Fund
Dominion Command
86 Aird Place
Ottawa, ON K2L 0A1

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Pensions and Assistance

• Aren't ex-servicemen and women eligible for government pensions?
• Yes. Many ex-servicemen and women do get pensions, but many others, although handicapped, do not. However, no pension can provide for eventualities such as fire, a long illness on the part of the breadwinner or other medical expenses.

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Service Bureau

• What is a Service Bureau?
• Throughout the Legion, in some 1,600 branches in ten provincial commands, and in Ottawa, there are service officers whose job it is to assist ex-service persons or dependents with problems relating to disability pensions or other veterans' legislation. The national and provincial offices not only provide advice but act on behalf of the individual. Every year thousands of representations are placed before the federal government on behalf of "clients". There is no charge for this service which is available to any ex-serviceman or woman or dependent who can qualify for such assistance.
• What is the correct definition of a 'Veteran'?
• There was never a definition of a veteran prior to 2000 for the Legion and prior to 2001 for VAC. Even the Pension Act does not have a definition of a veteran.
  
  Accordingly, at the 26 Nov 99 Sub Exec, a motion was introduced to introduce a definition of a veteran which reads as follows:
  
  
  
  A veteran is any person who is serving or who has honourably served in the Armed Forces of Canada, the Commonwealth or its wartime allies: or who has served in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime.

  This was eventually drafted into a resolution, approved by DEC and the 38th Dominion Convention held in Halifax in June 2000.

  Veterans Affairs Canada, Canada Remembers, considers any former member of the Canadian Forces who releases with an honourable discharge and who successfully underwent basic training to be a Veteran.

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RITUAL AND Insignia

• Is it permissible to wear Past Office Chairmen bars on the Branch/L.A. Service Medal?
• Under certain circumstances.  When an individual has received a Past Office Medal, and has received more ribbon bars than will fit on the Past Office Medal, the excess bars can be worn on the Branch/L.A. Service Medal, if the individual has been awarded one.  Just the presence of an excess of bars is not, in itself, reason to award the Branch/L.A. Service Medal.  Please consult the Honours and Awards Manual for the criteria for the awarding of the Branch/L.A. Service Medal.
• What is proper Legion Dress?  (Section 101 of R & I Manual) 
• The order of dress for Legion activities is as follows:
  1. Navy blue beret with Legion beret crest;
     1. Brass Branch numerals may be worn on the beret, centred on the beret badge, parallel to the head band and the first number is to be 3/8” to the wearer’s left of the beret badge;
     2. The beret is worn with the band one inch above the eyebrows, the beret crest over the left eye, the beret pulled back and smoothed to the right side;
  2. Headdress acquired during current or previous service with Canadian or Allied Forces (excluding ceremonial and peaked caps) complete with the service cap badge of the unit/regiment/service being served or was served. This type of headdress may not be worn by Colour Party members including the Colour Party Commander and Parade Commander;
  3. Legion Dress - Headgear. It is not normal practice for headgear to be worn indoors with the exception of the Sergeant-at-Arms, Colour Bearer(s), members of the Ladies Auxiliary, by members whose religious doctrine or customs require that the head be covered and by Officers presiding at official functions, such as Installations and may also include those who are being installed. Some units, Branches, Zones, Districts and Commands have developed a tradition to wear headgear during opening and closing ceremonies. Although unusual, such traditions are not discouraged by the Royal Canadian Legion. Where employed, these practices will be at the call of the Senior officiating Officer;
  4. When headgear is worn inside a building on appropriate ceremonial occasions the protocol for wear is the same for men and women; 
  5. Navy blue blazer, complete with the appropriate Legion blazer crest on the left-hand breast pocket and Legion buttons on front and sleeves. A regimental Service Blazer Badge of the unit/regiment/service being served or was served may be worn on the right side pocket of the Legion blazer;
  6. Black shoes, black socks, grey trousers for males and black shoes, dark grey hose, grey knee length skirts or slacks for females. Black shoulder strap purses may be carried on parade and small stud or keeper earrings are appropriate for females;
  7. Plain white shirt and the official Legion long striped tie;
  8. White gloves are worn by comrades participating at ceremonies.
• What is the proper dress for a Parade Commander leading a Legion organized parade?
• (Chapter 7, Section 740 of R & I Manual) Members of the Colour Party, including the Colour Party Commander and Parade Commander, shall wear Legion dress as shown in Chapter 1 of the Ritual and Insignia Manual.  A Lapel Poppy shall be worn on the Legion blazer; gloves or gauntlets and slings, are to be worn when handling the Colours.
• What is proper dress for a Colour Party for a Legion parade?
• (Chapter 7, Section 740 of R & I Manual) Members of the Colour Party, including the Colour Party Commander and Parade Commander, shall wear Legion dress as shown in Chapter 1 of the Ritual and Insignia Manual.  A Lapel Poppy shall be worn on the Legion blazer; gloves or gauntlets and slings, are to be worn when handling the Colours.
• Where can I obtain application forms for Legion Honours and Awards?
• All application forms are available to Branches only.  They can be obtained in paper form from the Legion Supply Department, or in electronic format on the Legion web site.
• What is the dress code for Legion members on parade?
• (Section 101 of R & I Manual) It is recommended that Legion dress be worn while attending any formal Legion function including Legion meetings. All Officers or Executive members occupying a position at the Head Table of any Legion meeting should be in Legion uniform. Section 113 the Ritual and Insignia Manual includes when Service medals should be worn on the Legion uniform.
• What is the proper procedure for the dipping of flags?
• Colours shall not be dipped at any time except for the Legion Banners, which are to be dipped during the playing of the “Last Post” for the purpose of Remembrance.  At the commencement of the playing of the “Last Post”, the Colour party member carrying the Legion Banner shall step forward and dip the Legion Banner in respect for the Fallen. It shall remain dipped during “The Silence” and shall be raised slowly during the sounding of “Rouse”. If there are more than one Legion Banner, then ALL Legion Banners will be dipped.
• Can I wear a military medal that was awarded to one of my relatives/ancestors?
• No.  It is an offence under Sections 419 A and B of the Criminal Code of Canada for anyone, other than the recipient, to wear a uniform of the Canadian Forces or Service Insignia, such as medals, ribbons, badges, chevrons or other decoration.
• When are flags to be lowered to half-mast?
• The Canadian Flag should be flown at half-mast on the following occasions at Legion establishments having an upright flagpole.
  1. Throughout Canada on the death of the Sovereign or a member of the Royal Family related in the first degree to the Sovereign, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, a former Governor General, a former Prime Minister, a federal Cabinet Minister, the Dominion President, a past Dominion president, a Dominion officer and on other occasions as specifically directed by Dominion Command for days of national mourning;
  2. Within a province on the death of the Lieutenant-Governor, the  Premier, a provincial Cabinet Minister, the Provincial President, a Past Provincial President, a Provincial Officer and on other occasions as specifically directed by Provincial Command for days of provincial mourning;
  3. Within a riding on the death of the member of the House of Commons or the member of the Provincial Legislature;
  4. Within a district on the death of the District Commander or a former District Commander;
  5. Within a zone on the death of the Zone Commander or former Zone Commander;
  6. At a Branch on the death of a member of the Branch or Ladies Auxiliary, and at the discretion of the Branch on the death of a veteran or member of the Canadian Forces;
  7. The flag shall be flown at half-mast from the day of death to the day of the funeral, except on the death of the Sovereign, when it is raised to full-mast for the day on which the accession of the new Monarch is proclaimed.
  8. Remembrance Day. It is now Canadian Government policy that all external Canadian Flags are to be flown at half-mast on Remembrance Day “to honour the memory of all Canadians who have served their country in times of war”. The policy is as follows:
     1. The Canadian Flag will be flown at half-mast on all federal government buildings and establishments across Canada from sunrise to sunset on Remembrance Day;
     2. Should half-masting occur near a cenotaph or at another site where Remembrance services are being observed, half-masting can occur from 11:00 a.m. (or according to the prescribed order of service) and extend until sunset on November 11;
     3. The flag on the Peace Tower will fly at half-mast from the commencement of the Remembrance Day service at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, and remain in that position until sunset.
  9. Legion Policy. In order to conform to this Government policy the Legion policy for half-masting the Canadian Flag on Remembrance Day is as follows:
     1. Canadian Flags flown outside Legion establishments where Remembrance Day services will not occur will be flown at halfmast for the day;
     2. External Canadian Flags flown at Branches or cenotaphs where a Remembrance Service will occur will be flown at full-mast until the playing of the first note of the Last Post, and then lowered as per custom. The flags will be raised to the full-mast position on the first note of Rouse and remain so during the playing of the Royal Anthem and march past if applicable;
     3. Canadian Flags referred to above are to be lowered to half-mast following the Remembrance Day Service for the remainder of the day;
     4. The Canadian Flag is to be raised at sunset and then lowered and retired for the night.
  10. Vimy Ridge Day. Royal Assent was given to Bill C-227 to declare each April 9th, Vimy Ridge Day a “National Day of Remembrance” to commemorate this famous battle where Canadians did what others could not; capture Vimy Ridge. The Canadian Flag, on the Peace Tower, will be flown at half mast on 9 April from sunrise to sunset. Legion Branches are to fly their Canadian Flags at half mast on 9 April from sunrise to sunset.

• On what pocket of a Legion blazer can a Regimental blazer badge be worn?
• A regimental Service Blazer Badge of the unit/regiment/service being served or was served may be worn on the right side pocket of the Legion blazer.