Royal Canadian Legion is the largest veterans’ organization in Canada. Its membership consists of former and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, their children, and others who support the objectives of the legion. Wives of members may join the Ladies Auxiliary, which supports legion programs and activities.
The legion encourages patriotism and national unity, assists needy veterans and former service members and their families, and promotes government programs for veterans. It sponsors memorial services on Remembrance Day, November 11, a national holiday that honors Canadians who died in war. The organization also performs many community services. It supports housing projects for veterans and senior citizens and awards grants and scholarships to students. Each November, legion members distribute poppies. The donations received are used to fund legion activities.
The legion was formed in 1925 by the merger of a number of veterans’ organizations. It has branches in Canada, the United States, and Germany. Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
