2026 marks our 100th anniversary
Let's make it a year to celebrate our rich heritage and contributions to Canada, to educate Canadians about our support of Veterans and Remembrance, to add members to our ranks, and to increase revenues to strengthen services and programs.
National Campaign Activities
2026 will be a landmark year for the Legion! With our Centenary in the spotlight, we have special campaigns, events, stories, and exclusive Centenary products coming your way—everything you need to celebrate, engage your community, and grow your Branch. Now is the perfect time to share the Legion with your friends, neighbours, and fellow volunteers, and make the most of this once-in-a-century moment.
Branch Activities & Resources
We encourage all Branches to embrace and celebrate the Centenary in their communities! Use the resources below to support your efforts.
Every Branch has a custom Centenary logo created especially for them. These logos may be used starting November 26, 2025 through 2026. Your logo package includes: ✔ Your Branch Centenary logo in multiple formats ✔ Centenary Brand Guide with usage details ✔ Your standard Branch logo and brand guide for ongoing use
Access Custom Logos
Welcome New Members for Free in 2026!
In 2026, all new members receive free membership for the year — a major opportunity to welcome new people into your Branch and grow participation.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Campaign Launch: Begins January 5, 2026
- Free Membership: All new members in 2026 join at no cost.
- Stronger Branches & Revenue: More members means more volunteers, event participation, and hospitality revenue.
- Long-Term Growth: This investment strengthens membership, renewals, and Branch activity in the years ahead.
- Simple Process: New members start as ‘Centenary Members’; Branches welcome them and assign their membership category.
- Your Role: Welcome new members, invite them into Branch life, and show them the value of belonging. Engaging with them now will create future renewals, volunteers, and revenue opportunities for your Branch.
Download these 11” x 17” JOIN promotional posters and these social media graphics for Branch use starting January 5.
Support Member Renewals with the Legion 100 Win Big Giveaway
2026 is the Legion’s Centenary year and one of the exciting ways we’re celebrating is by partnering with Ford Dealers of Canada to offer every Legion Member three chances to drive away in a brand-new Ford F-150! This promotion is designed to encourage Members to renew and stay connected with the Legion.
- Current 2025 Members: Current paid 2025 members must renew for 2026 to be automatically entered.
- Pre-paid 2026 New Members: Any new member who paid in 2025 to join for the 2026 year is automatically entered.
- New 2026 Members: Those who join in 2026 must renew for 2027 to be automatically entered.
- Lifetime Members are automatically entered.
After renewal, all eligible Members can earn two more chances to win — by shopping online at the Legion’s store and by donating online to the Poppy Fund.
Download and display this 11" x 17" contest poster and share these social media graphics to encourage renewals.
To help Branches prepare, we’ve developed a Centenary Tip Sheet — a quick, practical guide to spark planning and participation. The Tip Sheet highlights simple and meaningful ways your Branch can mark the Centenary.
Download tip sheet
Ready-to-use Centenary-branded images are available for your newsletters, posters, website, and social media. These can be used throughout 2026.
Download imagery
Exclusive Centenary Products through the Legion's Store
Centenary-branded merchandise — including apparel, commemorative gifts, and the official Centenary medal — will be available both online and at Branches. Branches can order items at Branch pricing to sell locally, providing a great opportunity to raise funds while promoting the Legion during this milestone year.
More items will be released throughout the year.
Our history
The organization, now known as The Royal Canadian Legion, was formed through the merger of three organizations: the Great War Veterans Association (GWVA), the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League (BESL), and the Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS). Originally founded as the Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League at the Unity Conference in 1925, its primary purpose was to support veterans, advocate for their rights, and promote remembrance of those who served in the military. On July 17, 1926, the organization was incorporated by a special Act of Parliament and issued its charter, officially becoming The Canadian Legion - a date now recognized as the official anniversary of the Legion. In July 1960, through a Royal Charter granted by Queen Elizabeth II, the organization was formally renamed The Royal Canadian Legion.