Video – Photo Gallery – Grafton Legion Celebrates Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th Anniversary
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 580 in Grafton welcomed members of the community on Friday, July 17, to celebrate a historic milestone as Legion branches across Canada marked the organization’s 100th anniversary.
The centennial recognizes a century of supporting veterans, strengthening communities and ensuring the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.
Guests attending the celebration enjoyed a free pig roast, military memorabilia displays and a Second World War-era jeep equipped with a 106 mm recoilless rifle.
Alnwick-Haldimand Town Crier Liam Cragg opened the ceremony by reflecting on the Legion’s century of service.
“Today we honour the Legion. 2026 marks a milestone; a century of standing with veterans, strengthening communities and honouring the memory of those who served.”
Cragg noted that while the Grafton Legion was established in 1959, its role has grown far beyond supporting veterans.
“Since those early days, our Legion has evolved. The welfare of veterans is still paramount, but there is an abundance of outreach to the community. Everything from the Friday night meals, to cadet corps to the numerous ways they humbly support local programs.”
He also encouraged those attending to learn more about the branch’s namesake, Lt. Col. John Weir Foote.
“I encourage you to review the unselfish acts of Lt. Col. John W. Foote, the only member of the Canadian Chaplain Services ever to be awarded the Victoria Cross.”
Alnwick-Haldimand Deputy Mayor Joan Stover described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on a century of service and sacrifice.
“A centennial is more than a milestone. It is an opportunity to reflect on a century of service, sacrifice, remembrance, and community.”
“For the past one hundred years, the Legion has been a place of friendship, support and understanding for veterans returning home, a champion for those in need, and a guardian of remembrance for future generations.”
Stover shared that the Legion’s legacy is deeply personal to her family.
Her father, Harold Prentice, returned home from the Second World War “changed forever by his experiences.”
“Like so many veterans of his generation, he carried memories that few could truly understand. The Legion was there for him. It gave him a place where he was welcomed, where he found friendship, and where he could spend time with those who had shared similar experiences.”
She recalled growing up around many of the men who had served alongside her father.
“I can still picture them today, proudly wearing their Legion blue blazers. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what they had been through, but I knew they shared a bond that was built on courage, sacrifice and unwavering loyalty to one another.”
Looking back, she said she now realizes how much the Legion meant to veterans and their families.
“The true strength of the Legion is far more than an organization. It is a family that has stood beside veterans for one hundred years and has never forgotten its promise to care for those who served.”
Branch 580 President John Grozelle said the Royal Canadian Legion continues to thrive because of the dedication of its volunteers.
“There are over 1,300 branches across Canada and 391 in Ontario,” he said.
“With any volunteer organization, its members come from the community, and they are a reflection of the community. Grafton has always stepped up and provided assistance for anyone that is in need.”
Becoming emotional as he addressed those gathered, Grozelle expressed his pride in the branch.
“I am proud of this organization.
“I am proud of the members who joined, volunteered and assist where they can.
“I am proud of the Grafton Ladies Auxiliary who I have always said are the backbone of the Legion.”
Branch 580 is named after Lt. Col. John Weir Foote, the only member of the Canadian Chaplain Services to receive the Victoria Cross.
During the Dieppe Raid on Aug. 19, 1942, Foote repeatedly risked his own life to rescue and care for wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire. Despite having several opportunities to evacuate, he refused to leave, choosing instead to remain with the men he had ministered to before becoming a prisoner of war for nearly three years.
His courage earned him the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest award for gallantry.
As Legion members, veterans and residents gathered to celebrate the centennial, the occasion served as both a tribute to the organization’s remarkable history and a reminder that its commitment to veterans, remembrance and community service remains as important today as it was a century ago.
Federal Minister Recognizes National Milestone
To mark the anniversary, the Honourable Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, issued a statement recognizing the Legion’s contributions over the past century.
“Today marks the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion, a milestone that recognizes a century of service, remembrance, and community support across Canada.”
McKnight said the Legion has remained true to the principles it was founded upon in 1926 by supporting veterans and their families while ensuring Canadians never forget the sacrifices made in service to the country.
She highlighted the organization’s advocacy, Poppy Campaign, youth education initiatives, and assistance provided to veterans transitioning from military and RCMP service to civilian life.
“On this 100th anniversary, we thank The Royal Canadian Legion, its members, volunteers, and supporters for a century of dedication to veterans and to communities across our country.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love