OTTAWA — The Royal Canadian Legion held commemorative ceremonies across the country on Sunday, marking 100 years since its founding as the nation's largest veterans' organisation. Branches from Halifax to Victoria staged wreath-layings and community gatherings.

The Legion was formed in 1925 in Winnipeg to unite First World War veterans under a single association. It has since supported servicemen and women through advocacy, financial assistance and the annual Poppy Campaign, which funds remembrance and veteran welfare programmes nationwide.

The centenary weekend included special services at branch halls and Legion-supported cenotaphs, with serving members, cadets and local dignitaries taking part. Dominion Command highlighted the organisation's ongoing work assisting veterans with disability claims, housing and mental-health support.

The milestone arrives as the Legion contends with an ageing and shrinking membership. The organisation has launched recruitment drives aimed at younger veterans and community associate members, with leaders emphasising that sustaining local branches is essential to preserving remembrance traditions and delivering frontline support.

A Royal Canadian Legion spokesperson described the centenary as "a bridge between generations of Canadians who wore the uniform," characterising the anniversary as a moment both to honour past sacrifice and to renew the organisation's commitment to those who served.