Blog Archives - Legion Magazine

New collector coins celebrate RCL 100

Aaron Kylie — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:26:07 +0000

One of the first big commemorations in recognition of The Royal Canadian Legion’s centenary this year is right on the money. In mid-January, The Royal Canadian Mint unveiled limited-edition gold and silver collector coins featuring designs celebrating the RCL’s 100th anniversary. The artwork of the $100 pure gold coin, which features two Legion members facing …

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Halifax hosts Persian Gulf 35 commemorations

Alex Bowers — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:03:30 +0000

Retired major Bob Crane doesn’t demand a thank you for donning the Canadian military uniform. Nevertheless, observed the Persian Gulf War veteran from Siksika Nation in Alberta, “gratitude is the one thing that we all appreciate when we do something for other people.” Crane, a former member of 1 Canadian Field Hospital, spoke of the …

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Identifying new research avenues at 2025 veteran health forum

Alex Bowers — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 20:58:07 +0000

One could almost see it—and certainly sense its poignant presence. A short walk from Ottawa’s Westin Hotel stands the looming granite and bronze of Canada’s National War Memorial. Officially unveiled in 1939 as the clouds of conflict gathered anew, its great facade goes by a second name: The Response. In the hotel’s conference rooms from Oct. …

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9 must-watch movies featuring Canada at war

Legion Magazine — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:01:21 +0000

Have you ever watched a war movie and thought, "when are they going to mention Canada?" It's rare that the great white north gets anything more than a nod in in cinematic depictions of warfare, but these 7 movies break the mould and let Canada take centre stage.

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Where Canada remembers: The National War Memorial hosts its 85th annual ceremony in tribute to military sacrifice

Aaron Kylie — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 19:44:48 +0000

Beyond the grounds of Parliament Hill, there may be no other location as synonymous with Canadians gathering en masse as the National War Memorial. Since 1940, thousands have flocked annually to the country’s cenotaph, known as “The Response,” to pay their respects to those who have served, and continue to serve, Canada in uniform. Coincidentally, …

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A Cornish toast to historian Tim Cook

Alex Bowers — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:00:55 +0000

The traditional Cornish fishing village of Mevagissey, situated on the west coast of England, seemed like as good a place as any to discover the works of Canada’s “preeminent military historian” Tim Cook. It was a pleasant enough day, just after Christmas, while outside, parting clouds and a tame ocean breeze presented prime conditions for …

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Fine dining

John Ward — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:18:51 +0000

Cumulogranitus: Air force slang for one of those pesky clouds with a mountain inside. Stan Heather of Toronto sends this story. In June 2012, 34 WW II veterans flew to Britain for the dedication and unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial in London. On their first evening, four of them decided to go to a fine …

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Moving toward 100

Aaron Kylie — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:16:04 +0000

From technological innovation to membership growth and beyond, The Royal Canadian Legion shows no sign of slowing down as it approaches its centennial

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Winged commander

Legion Magazine — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 19:56:53 +0000

Amazingly, during the early years of the Second World War, Royal Air Force bombers were equipped with carrier pigeons. They were supposed to be the last resort if radio communications were lost. In 1942, one of these birds actually helped rescue a downed crew member. The pigeon, named Winkie, was aboard a badly damaged bomber …

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Blaze of glory?

John Ward — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 16:08:08 +0000

The 1976 Montreal Olympics was a major assignment for the Canadian Armed Forces, with about 9,000 service members involved. Security was a preoccupation for the hosts, with memories of the terrorism attack at the 1972 Munich Games still fresh. While the army had the biggest load, the navy contributed about 1,000 sailors as it handled security …

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