Strathmore recognizes National Legion Week

By Melissa Crispin-Piche Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 10 is preparing for a significant few weeks in Strathmore as the community recognizes National Legion Week and the local branch celebrates a century of service.

Strathmore town council supported proclaiming Sept. 21 to 27 as National Legion Week during its Sept. 2 meeting, with the motion receiving unanimous support.

Coun. Melissa Langmaid brought the proclamation forward to council and spoke about the importance of the Legion and veterans within Strathmore. 

“I know that we all have a great love for the veterans of the community, and for our local Legion, who’s gearing up to celebrate their 100th birthday this year,” Langmaid said. “I’m very happy to bring this forward to council as a part of those celebrations.”

Mayor Pat Fule called the question, and the motion was supported by all members of council.

Branch No. 10 president, Donovan Arnaud, said he was pleased to hear the town had recognized National Legion Week.

“I was delighted to hear about it being proclaimed. That was wonderful,” Arnaud said.

He said the support the Legion has received extends beyond the proclamation.

“The support we’ve received from the town and from the county and from our local politicians has been outstanding,” he said. “On behalf of the entire Legion, we are very, very grateful for this kind of support.”

National Legion Week is not necessarily about holding special events, Arnaud explained. Instead, it is an opportunity to remind residents about the Legion, why it exists and the role it continues to play in the community. 

“It’s intended to make everyone aware of the fact that the Legion exists and it exists for the following reasons,” he said. “The Legion stands for remembrance – remembrance of all those who served and sacrificed their lives for our country.”

He said the Legion’s role also includes supporting veterans who have served in the Armed Forces and police as well as the families who stood behind them.

“For every soldier that’s out there doing his bit for (our) country – (they’ve) got a family back home doing their bit to support him, and so it’s a team effort,” Arnaud said. “It’s an extension of remembrance, veterans and community. That’s a unique role that we play in the community that every Legion organization plays in the community.”

This year’s National Legion Week comes just days before another major milestone for the local branch.

In 2026 the Strathmore Legion is celebrating not only Branch No. 10’s personal 100th anniversary, but also the 100th anniversary for The Royal Canadian Legions across Canada (July 17). Branch No. 10 has a special gala planned for Oct. 3; the actual anniversary is Oct. 8, but Arnaud said the celebration was moved ahead five days because the date falls during the week.

“There’s only one 100th birthday and this is it, this year,” he said. The gala will be open to members of the community who purchase tickets, although space inside the Legion is limited.

“We’ll welcome anybody and everybody from the community who wishes to express their support for the Legion on this very special occasion,” Arnaud said.

Tickets and further information about the centennial celebration are available through the Strathmore Legion.

For Arnaud, the recognition provides an opportunity to remind people that while Branch No. 10 is preparing to celebrate 100 years in Strathmore the Legion’s mission continues to centre around remembrance, veterans, their families and the community.