BEAUSEJOUR LEGION BRANCH #132
The Royal Canadian Legion is a
non-profit, self-sustained fraternal organization with approximately
1,600 branches in Canada, the United States and Germany.
The Legion since its formation in 1925
has focused its efforts on the fight to secure adequate pensions and
other well-earned benefits for veterans and their dependents. It deals
directly with the Federal Government to ensure ex-military personnel
and their dependents are treated fairly. Most Canadians associate the
Legion with Remembrance ceremonies and activities perpetuating the
memory of those who died in the two world wars, the Korean Conflict
and other Canadian military missions, including peacekeeping.
Service duties at home and abroad may
allow Armed Forces and RCMP members to be eligible for disability
pensions or disability awards, in addition to disabilities caused by
wartime service. Command Service Officers not only help claimants
through the sometimes-daunting maze of legislation and documentation,
but also represent them at all levels of the process.
The
Legion uses symbols and badges to identify and promote our command
goals:
·
The Crest - the crown is the St. Edward
Crown, used by the Sovereign. The red maple leaf on the white
background is derived
from
the Canadian coat of arms. Our pledge and motto We Will Remember Them
in the outside circle is in Latin; a language generally used on
badges, crests and banners of national and military emblems. The word
“Legion”, in gold, and the background in blue represents the official
colours of the Legion. The poppy is the symbol of remembrance.
·
The poppy
of Flanders is immortalized as an emblem of sacrifice and
remembrance for the honouring of the thousands who laid down their
lives for those ideals, which we, as Canadians, cherish. The poppy
calls upon us to remember not only those who have died, but also those
they left dependent, and those who still suffer from honourable wounds
and disabilities. The poppy challenges us to serve in peace, as in
war, to help those who need our help, and to protect those who need
our protection.
·
The torch
is symbolic of justice, honour and freedom for which our comrades
fought and died. We who are left must pledge ourselves to hold it
high, lest we break faith with those who died.
·
The nation
flag of Canada represents our country throughout the world.
Red and White are the colours of Canada. The maple leaf has been
regarded as a Canadian emblem since 1700, if not before.
·
The Royal
Union Flag (Union Jack) is a symbol of Canada’s membership in
the Commonwealth of Nations, of her allegiance to the Crown and our
affiliation with the British Commonwealth Ex-Services League.
Probably the most widely known activity
of the legion is the National Remembrance-Poppy Campaign in which
Legion members and friends distribute poppy emblems for donations to
raise money for needy veterans, ex-service members and their families.
Today the funds raised fill a much wider range of needs within the
general community. Each branch has its own poppy trust fund—public
money held in trust—and each manages the distribution of the money in
accordance with the by-laws of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The
annual Remembrance-Poppy Campaign is the legion’s highest profile
public activity. It is
the only national appeal the legion makes for funds.
It is called the Poppy-Remembrance
Campaign with the emphasis on remembrance.
On Remembrance Day, November 11, the Legion also holds memorial
services in communities across Canada.
As the Legion moves into the 21st
century, its members have rededicated themselves to ensure the care of
Canada’s veterans and the perpetuation of Remembrance. The
implementation of the “Two Minute Wave of Silence” in 1999, the
establishment of “The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier” in 2000, and its
advocacy for a Year of the Veteran in 2005 are examples of how the
Legion is preparing Canadians to never forget the lessons and
sacrifices of the past.
Continued pressure on the federal
government to improve benefits for those who serve and have served the
country in uniform is the Legion’s other major cornerstone.
And, as times change, so will the needs and the Legion’s work to
ensure they are met. To maintain these resources, it is essential that
we receive the support of our membership. As with all organizations,
our future lies with the young. The energy and sense of renewal that
any association gets from new members provides its sense of life.
You are invited to become a member of
the Breausejour Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. Membership in the
Legion has been expanded to include many who were not previously
eligible. Call and see if this includes you!
