Skip to content

Stettler Branch No. 59 to celebrate Royal Canadian Legion Week

The Stettler Legion Branch 59 will be celebrating the National Legion week from Sunday Sept. 18 to Saturday Sept. 24 with various....
70843stettler160906-STI-Remembrance-Day
Remembrance Day ceremonies in progress at the Performing Arts Centre last year.

The Stettler Legion Branch 59 will be celebrating the National Legion week from Sunday Sept. 18 to Saturday Sept. 24 with various activities.

"I am excited to find that Stettler branch #59 has hosted this weekly event since the opening of their existing premises in the mid 1970s," said Rosalind LaRose, Alberta and Northwestern Territories District 4 Commander of 24 legions in Central Alberta. "This is the only branch within my district that hosts such an event. Other branches will have special occasion celebrations but nothing quite like the Stettler branch hosts."

LaRose said that the events were initiated by the veterans to invite the community into the legion and understand what legion is all about.

"Most citizens and businesses pay special attention to legion during the Poppy Campaign and through Remembrance time, but often lose sight of legion throughout the year," added LaRose. "Legions break for the months of July and August, so this is the kickoff for regular business to take place from September to June."

All sports programs begin during this weekly time period, said LaRose and it is also a time for the legion to bring awareness to the community and remind everyone that the most important time of year is fast approaching.

"I could only wish that all branches would follow in Stettler's footsteps," added LaRose.

This year is also special for the Legion as it celebrates its 90th anniversary of Royal Canadian Legion.

"This is the National Dominion Anniversary," said LaRose. "The Stettler Branch will celebrate its 90th anniversary in March of 2018, at this time the branch will host a huge celebration."

The week-long celebrations will be wrapped up at the Stettler Legion Lounge on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. with corn on the cob, hot dogs and the 90th anniversary cake and coffee.

"The National Legion Week celebrations are not just for legion members but for all the community, we open our doors to everyone," added LaRose.