Welcome to “Scimitar” I’m proud to be asked to start this Blog in support of the Bruce Shrine Club. My name is Kevin MacKay, Past President, MOCHA News contributor and Appointed Ambassador for the Bruce Shrine Club. Check in often and share anything you find interesting with others. Let’s Go!
Comments and questions to Noble Kevin can be sent to “kkmackay@bmts.com“
The scimitar stands for the backbone of the fraternity, its members. The two claws are for the Shriners fraternity and its philanthropy. The sphinx stands for the governing body of the Shriners. The five-pointed star represents the thousands of children helped by the philanthropy each year.
Blog # 18 / October 2025
We will remember them
The History of the Royal Canadian Legion
Honouring Canada’s Veterans and Supporting Communities
The Royal Canadian Legion has a long history of proudly supporting Veterans. When the First World War came to an end, numerous Veterans groups and regimental associations representing former service members were created. Despite their shared goals, efforts were fragmented and unsuccessful.
An appeal for unity was made by many groups and organizations representing Veterans which led to the formation of the Dominion Veterans Alliance. In July of 1925 at a meeting in Winnipeg the Legion was founded as “The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League.” It was incorporated by a special Act of Parliament, and the Charter was issued in July 1926. On December 19, 1960, Queen Elizabeth II gave her consent to use the prefix ‘Royal’, and the organization became known as ‘The Royal Canadian Legion.” The Act of Incorporation was later amended in 1961 to make the change official.
This new Veterans organization quickly expanded across Canada, opening branches in major cities and small towns alike. The Legion’s mission focused on advocacy for veterans, providing financial assistance, and fostering remembrance through annual commemorations, such as Remembrance Day. The iconic poppy campaign, first introduced in Canada in 1921, became an integral part of the Legion’s efforts to honour the fallen and support veterans in need. This poppy campaign remains one of the largest fund-raising efforts that supports numerous veteran’s programs across Canada.
Over the decades, the Legion has adapted to the changing needs of veterans, including those who served in the Second World War, the Korean War, peacekeeping missions, and other military operations. In 1960, the organization officially became known as the Royal Canadian Legion, reflecting its enduring connection to the Crown and its expanding mandate.
Today, the Legion remains Canada’s largest veterans’ organization, with hundreds of local branches stretching from coast to coast. Its work extends beyond veterans’ advocacy to include community service, youth programs, and support for military families. The Legion also provides resources for mental health, homelessness prevention, and educational initiatives.
One of the Legion’s most visible contributions is its leadership in Remembrance Day ceremonies across Canada. Every November 11th, communities gather at cenotaphs and memorials to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The Legion ensures that the legacy of Canada’s veterans endures through educational outreach, commemorative events, and the preservation of military history.
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day. Our First Nations, Inuit and Métis people of Canada have a long and proud tradition of military service to this country.
If you look up “Remembrance Day” and Veterans Week” on the Government of Canada web site, you’ll find lots of great reading about Indigenous contributions to our military history.
Legion branches also serve as community hubs, hosting events, supporting local charities, and providing a welcoming space for veterans and civilians alike. Through volunteerism and outreach, the Legion continues to strengthen the fabric of Canadian society.
You no long are required to be a Veteran or Serving member of the Military to be a member of your local Royal Canadian Legion, anyone can join. The cost to join is small the impact on your local community is huge.
The Royal Canadian Legion supports a wide range of community programs focused on youth, seniors, and veterans, including youth sports and leadership programs, senior health and social activities, and assistance for homeless veterans. Legions also provide financial and facility support for local organizations, medical facilities, and disaster relief efforts.
Sports: Sponsoring youth sports, including the national track and field competition for young athletes.
Leadership: Supporting youth leadership programs like Cadets, Scouts, and Guides.
Remembrance: Working with schools to educate the younger generation about the importance of Remembrance.
Social and health: Offering social activities, health and education programs, and transportation assistance.
Housing and safety: Providing support programs to help seniors remain active and independent, such as the “Home Away Initiative”.
Peer support: Running programs like the “Buddy Check Coffee” for veterans, peace officer and emergency responders to connect with peers.
Homeless veterans: Providing financial aid and connections to services for homeless and at-risk veterans through the “Leave the Streets Behind” program.
Serving members: Supporting Canadian Armed Forces members and their families through events and fundraising for initiatives like Support Our Troops and Soldier On.
Operational stress injuries: Offering peer support programs to veterans and their families.
Fundraising: Raising funds for local and regional organizations, medical research, and disaster relief.
Facility use: Offering their halls as meeting places for community events, from social gatherings to town meetings.
Local initiatives: Donating to and volunteering with local not-for-profit organizations, hospitals, and community clinics.
The Royal Canadian Legion’s history is a testament to the resilience and generosity of Canada’s veterans and their supporters. From its beginnings in the post-war era to its role in today’s communities, the Legion remains committed to remembrance, advocacy, and service—ensuring that the sacrifices of Canada’s military personnel are never forgotten.
As a proud 49 year, Ordinary member of the Royal Canadian Legion I can not imagine losing this community institution. Take a look into joining your local Legion or at least take a look at the many programs and events that are available for you to take part in locally. From Bingo and Euchre to Trivia, Dancing and Jam nights with local musicians there is so much to enjoy.
The Royal Canadian Legion stands as a pillar of support for Canadian Veterans and the communities in which we live.
“Service” The Story of the Canadian Legion is a book by Clifford H. Bowering that will give you a greater in-depth history on this great Canadian institution.
Well, there you have it, another blather from your old pal Elvis. As a side note, I was just out to the Kincardine Legion Branch 183 this past Sunday (October 19th, 2025) to attend a dance put on by the Kincardine Lighthouse Swing Band. My Daughter Nicole, who many of you know, sings with this band and my son-in-law Noble Alex Rauket, plays the Trombone with the band so it was a bit of a family thing. Anyway, it was great to get out and fraternize with those who come from far and wide to swing their partners around the dance floor and enjoy some great music from the swing era.
Don’t forget to get out to a Cenotaph November 08th and 11th to lay a wreath in honor of our Veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
Stay healthy and keep your stick on the ice. The games not over yet.
Yours in Faith
Noble Kevin (Elvis) MacKay
Ambassador Emeritus
Bruce Shrine Club