Legion prepares to celebrate centennial year

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Royal Canadian Legion is preparing to celebrate their centennial year of operations with a series of events taking place throughout 2026, recognizing a century of volunteerism, advocacy, and service.

Locally, the Legion Branch 10 in Strathmore is presenting a campaign scheduled to begin as of Jan. 1, consisting of nine events throughout the year. 

“It is a tremendous feeling because this is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion in Canada, so this is something we, the Legion community have never experienced before,” said Donovan Arnaud, president of the Strathmore Legion Branch 10. “October 8 was the actual day that our particular Legion received its charter a hundred years ago, so (that) will be a very special day for us, but we are celebrating this national anniversary throughout the year.”

New Year’s Day will feature a levee at the Legion intended to be for anyone within the local community to be able to attend. 

Each of the individual events have been planned, if not already scheduled around the Legion’s more regular calendar and will take place in addition to normal activities instead of as replacements.

Arnaud explained the Legion’s planning committee has already been at work for the last four months to bring the calendar together.

“We are into the weeds now in terms of details, but the plan is just about finished. In fact, we have now begun to publish a literature to that effect,” he said. “We can’t mess this one up – we have got to do it well and do it right for the first time, and I am very confident that is exactly what is going to happen.”

Come February, the Legion will host a Blackfoot cultural experience featuring food, traditional dancing, and stories. 

Apr. 18 will feature a centennial cribbage tournament, followed by a centennial dart shoot on May 2. On June 20, a Vintages for Veterans wine tasting will be open to those in the community aged 18 and above.

July 17 marks the centennial of the first legion in Canada. Strathmore’s Legion branch will host a commemorative service, as well as a celebration to mark the occasion.

A community talent show has been earmarked for the fall; however, the exact date has not yet been announced publicly as of this publication deadline.

Oct. 3, Branch 10 will be hosting a charter gala for veterans and legion members, followed by a children’s Christmas party in December to wrap the year’s series of celebrations.

“Our role withing the community, not only is our primary mission to support veterans and their families, of equal importance is our relationship with the community, that being Strathmore and Wheatland County,” said Arnaud. “We intend to engage them in our celebrations, and we are well on our way to making this happen, and we are looking forward to getting started on New Year’s Day with the levee at the Legion.”

Any who are interested in supporting the Legion or volunteering to prepare or participate in any of next year’s events are encouraged to contact them directly.