REGINA — In 1926, as soldiers returned home from the devastation of the First World War, Canada made a quiet but lasting commitment: those who served would not be left behind. From that promise, the Royal Canadian Legion was born.
Now, in 2026, the legion marks its 100th anniversary as an institution, shaped by sacrifice, sustained by service and grounded in remembrance. For a century, it has stood beside veterans and their families, advocating for care, preserving memory, and strengthening communities from coast to coast.
To mark the milestone, the legion is offering free memberships to new members throughout 2026, opening its doors to Canadians who want to support veterans, honour history and be part of a strong community organization. To mark the anniversary year, commemorative collector coins from the Royal Canadian Mint were also created. Centenary initiatives will be unfolding in communities nationwide.
“This year is about honouring where we’ve been, but also inviting people to see where we’re going,” said Reid Hill, president of Regina Royal Canadian Legion Branch 001. “The legion is still very much needed, and this is a chance for people to discover that. Plus there is a draw for a F150 truck for new members.”
Founded in the aftermath of war, the legion quickly became a national voice for veterans navigating injury, trauma and reintegration. Over the decades, its mission expanded to include remembrance, youth programs, emergency assistance, and direct advocacy for veterans’ benefits. Today, more than 270,000 members across Canada carry that work forward.
Throughout last 100 years, tens of thousands of Saskatchewan men and women served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and later conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Saskatchewan soldiers fought at Vimy Ridge, Normandy and in some of the most punishing battles of the twentieth century. When they returned home, legion branches became anchors in towns and cities, offering understanding, support and comradery.
Regina Branch 001, among the first legion branches in the province, has mirrored that journey. Over the years, it has adapted to changing times while remaining rooted in service.
“The legion has had to evolve,” Hill said. “Facilities change, membership changes, communities change. But the heart of the organization has never changed.”
That heart is found in programs that quietly make a difference. The legion’s Veterans Emergency Assistance program provides immediate help to veterans in crisis. Buddy Check coffee programs create space for connection and conversation. Advocacy efforts ensure veterans and their families are not left navigating systems alone.
Membership, Hill emphasized, is not limited to those who served.
“You don’t have to be a veteran to join,” he said. “You just have to care.”
Free centenary memberships are intended to lower the barrier for Canadians who may have considered joining but never took the step. New members can sign up online or through their local branch and choose from several membership categories. Once the centenary year ends, regular membership fees will resume.
For Regina Branch 001, the anniversary is also personal. The branch will mark its own 100th anniversary with a themed celebration on Nov. 27, while national events will take place July 17, the legion’s official founding date.
