On September 9, Meaford Legion Branch 32 held its first meeting of the 2026–27 season. The agenda was full as members looked ahead to the many activities and events planned for the coming year. Branch President Steve Rice led the meeting.
The Youth Education Committee presented plans for this year’s annual Remembrance Day poster contest, which will once again be held in partnership with Meaford Community School. The Legion encourages parents to have their children participate as a way of helping younger generations understand the importance of Remembrance Day, the sacrifices made by those who served, and the meaning of freedom in Canada.
The annual Poppy Campaign will begin October 24 and continue throughout November. Members were reminded that the money raised through the Poppy Campaign is used to support veterans and their families in a variety of ways.
One local initiative is Buddy Check Coffee, which brings veterans together to share experiences and support one another as they make the transition from military to civilian life. Branch 32 hopes to become more involved with Buddy Check Coffee and provide additional support to veterans who may be finding that transition difficult.
The Youth Education Committee also received information regarding Legion bursaries available to local youth who are members of the Army, Air, or Navy Cadet programs and are pursuing post-secondary education. Cadets who live in the Meaford area are encouraged to contact the Legion for information and bursary application forms.
An important part of the meeting was a wide-ranging discussion about the future direction of Branch 32. Members considered where the Legion should be five, ten, or even 100 years from now.
Four areas were identified as priorities for further discussion:
- Membership and recruitment
- Finding a permanent or temporary home for the Branch
- Community events and activities
- Encouraging current members to share their ideas and expectations for the future of the Branch
The discussion will continue at the next meeting, with the goal of developing a clear vision and practical plans that will allow Branch 32 to continue serving the Meaford community for many years to come.
Before the meeting concluded, President Steve Rice again expressed his appreciation to the members and volunteers who contributed to the Branch’s 100th anniversary celebrations on August 15. The cenotaph rededication and evening banquet were particularly successful, with approximately 72 people attending the banquet.
President Rice thanked everyone who helped make the centennial celebrations a success and recognized the considerable work undertaken by the Centennial Committee.
The next meeting of Meaford Legion Branch 32 will be held October 14 in the Terrace Room at Meaford Hall.
“Everyone is welcome to attend. Branch 32 is always looking for new members and new ideas. If serving your community and supporting those who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces is important to you, the Legion may be an organization worth becoming involved with,” said the Legion.
