On Saturday, August 15, Meaford Branch 32 of the Royal Canadian Legion celebrated 100 years of service, sacrifice, and community. Originally receiving its charter on October 13, 1926, the Legion has been an important part of the Meaford community for a century.
It was fitting that the anniversary celebrations began at the Meaford Cenotaph, the very place that helped inspire the formation of the original Legion. The Cenotaph, built in 1924, was Meaford’s first permanent tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great War. In many ways, the connection between the two could not be more appropriate: while the Cenotaph was built to honour those who had fallen, the Legion was established to support and honour those who returned home.
The morning ceremony also provided an opportunity to rededicate the Cenotaph following its recent reconstruction and improvements, made possible through an anonymous donation to the Municipality of Meaford. A new concrete base was installed, the surrounding sidewalk was replaced, and the rusted flagpoles were replaced with new aluminum poles that will fly the Canadian and British flags.
The ceremony was led by Legion President Steve Rice and included remarks from Mayor Ross Kentner, MPP Paul Vickers, and MP Alex Ruff. Each speaker emphasized the importance of remembering the fallen and those who have served, even as the community celebrated this important milestone in the Legion’s history.
Later that day, more than 70 people gathered for an anniversary banquet celebrating the Legion’s 100 years. A special display prepared by the Meaford Museum helped set the tone for the evening, featuring artifacts and memorabilia from the original Meaford Legion building. The building was sold in 2014, and many of its historic items were placed in storage or donated to the Meaford Museum.
Emcee Tony Bell guided guests through an enjoyable evening that included several trips down memory lane and stories from the history of Meaford Branch 32. Mayor Ross Kentner presented the Legion with a commemorative certificate from the Municipality of Meaford recognizing the significance of the 100th anniversary.
Guest speaker Alex Ruff, Member of Parliament for Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound, an Army veteran and Legion member, spoke about the important role Legions continue to play in communities across Canada. He emphasized that Meaford Branch 32 is particularly important because of its close proximity to the Canadian Forces Training Base and the large number of serving and retired military personnel in the area. He encouraged the community to support the Legion and recognize the important work it continues to do.
Near the end of the evening, a special 100th Anniversary Medal was presented to Mayor Kentner in recognition of his efforts to promote the Legion and to support remembrance of Canadians who have served in conflicts throughout our nation’s history.
The evening also included a very special recognition for President Steve Rice, who received his 50-year Legion service medal. President Rice has served as president of Branch 32 for 18 years and also serves as Zone 4 Commander. The Meaford Legion is extremely proud of his many years of dedication and of his continuing efforts to promote the Legion and its work in the community.
The evening concluded appropriately with the singing of “God Save the King”.
While the 100th anniversary provided an opportunity to look back with pride at the Legion’s history, it is also a reminder that the future of the organization depends on the community continuing to support it.
The first regular meeting of the Meaford Legion following the anniversary celebrations will be held on Wednesday, September 9, in the Terrace Room at Meaford Hall. Anyone from the Meaford community is welcome to attend and learn more about the Legion.
There are three types of Legion membership. Ordinary membership is available to those who have served or are currently serving Canada through the Canadian Armed Forces, emergency services, reserves, or the Coast Guard. Associate membership is available to eligible family members, while Affiliate membership is open to Canadian citizens or Commonwealth subjects from Allied nations who wish to support the Legion and its work.
As part of the Legion’s 100th anniversary celebrations, membership is free for the first year.
After 100 years of service to Meaford, Branch 32 is not simply celebrating its past. It is inviting the community to help shape its future.
