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Friday, July 24, 2026
Neepawa celebrates
Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th
By Eoin Devereux
Neepawa’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 23 has joined with communities across Canada in celebrating the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion.
Our local chapter was packed to capacity on Friday, July 17, to commemorate the Legion’s official incorporation by an Act of Parliament on July 17, 1926.
The local event featured a barbecue, live entertainment and a birthday cake in honour of the national milestone. The celebration also included commemorative messages from Riding Mountain M.P. Dan Mazier and Spruce Woods M.L.A. Jodie Byram, recognizing the Legion’s long-standing contributions, both within Manitoba and across Canada.
This year’s centennial theme is ‘100 Years of Supporting Canada’s Veterans,’ and is celebrating a century of advocacy, remembrance and community service. Branch No. 23 member Ernie Sydor said the Neepawa Legion’s success has always been rooted in the support of the community.
“It is a strong community that has answered the call in many ways to help us, not only the current Legion members, but those in the past, to honour their memories and to keep things going,” Sydor said.
Sydor added that the branch’s accomplishments have been made possible through local volunteers and supporters.
The Royal Canadian Legion was formed after the First World War, when soldiers coming home with injuries and trauma needed support. The organization’s purpose has expanded beyond serving veterans and their families to include promoting public awareness of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers.
As of this year, the Legion reported an active memberships of about 300,000 across 1,350 branches across Canada. Neepawa’s Legion Branch No. 23 includes over 200 members.
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