Our history

The Royal Canadian Legion was formed through the merger of several Veterans’ organizations, with the Great War Veterans Association (GWVA) as the most prominent. Founded as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League at the Unity Conference on November 25–27, 1925, it aimed to support Veterans, advocate for their rights, and promote Remembrance. Incorporated on July 17, 1926, it became a distinct Canadian organization, a date now recognized as the Legion’s official anniversary. In 1959, “British Empire” was dropped from its name, and in 1961, following royal consent, it became The Royal Canadian Legion. Originally focused on First World War Veterans, the Legion soon expanded to support Veterans of later conflicts.

Today, the Legion is Canada’s foremost Veterans’ organization, with Branches and Members honouring service, promoting Remembrance, and supporting Veterans, RCMP members, their families, and communities.

Timeline at a Glance

• 1915–1925 – Formation of Veterans’ Organizations
  Returning Canadian soldiers from the First World War faced injuries, trauma, and limited support. Veterans formed associations, including the GWVA, to advocate for care and benefits. Many of these groups later merged to form the Canadian Legion.
• November 11, 1919 – First Remembrance Day in Canada
  Canada observed its first Armistice Day one year after the First World War ended, officially recognized as Remembrance Day in 1931. Veterans’ groups, including the GWVA, organized early ceremonies. Today, the Legion leads ceremonies nationwide, including Ottawa’s National Ceremony.

• July 6, 1921 – Idea for the Remembrance Poppy Adopted
  Inspired by John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields, Madame Anna Guérin presented the Poppy as a way to raise funds for Veterans. The GWVA adopted the idea in Canada, marking the first Poppy Campaign.
• 1925 – Founding at the Unity Conference
  Veterans’ groups, led by the GWVA, unite to form the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League.
• 1926 – Official Incorporation
  The Legion is incorporated by Act of Parliament on July 17 — the date now celebrated as the Legion’s official anniversary.
• Mid-1930s – Advocacy for Veterans’ Healthcare
  The Legion lobbied for specialized hospitals and treatment for Veterans, laying groundwork for the eventual creation of Veterans Affairs Canada in 1944.
• 1940s – Support During and After the Second World War
  Legion Branches mobilize across Canada to aid returning service members from the Second World War (1939–1945) and their families.
• 1959–1961 – The “Royal” Designation
  The Legion drops “British Empire” from its name in 1959, and in 1960, Queen Elizabeth II grants consent for the Legion to use the title “Royal.” The organization is formally renamed The Royal Canadian Legion in 1961.
• 1960s–1980s – Expanding Community Service
  The Legion broadens its reach through Veterans’ care initiatives, Remembrance education, youth and community programs.
• 1990s–2000s – Modernization and Advocacy
  The Legion strengthens its national advocacy for Veterans’ rights and modernizes communications and member services.
• 2010s–2020s – Serving a New Generation
  Support expands to include modern Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP.
• 2026 – Centenary Year
  The Legion marks 100 years since its official incorporation — a century of Remembrance, service, and community.