Our Mission is to serve Veterans, which includes serving military and RCMP members and their families, to promote Remembrance and to serve our communities and our country.
History
The organization was formed in 1926 with New Brunswick Command officially formed on July 01, 1926. The first Provincial Convention was held in Saint John.
Our organization is a not for profit, membership supported organization. The organization originally started out as a place of support, advocacy and camaraderie for returning military personnel to help them transition from war time service to civilian life.
The Legion has grown into one of the most trusted and respected Veterans and community service organizations in Canada. The Legion continues to serve veterans, ex-service personnel and their families as well as communities, seniors, and youth.
New Brunswick Command of The Royal Canadian Legion has a provincial membership of approximately 7600 members with 70 Legion branches throughout the Province. Our branches are proud to help our veterans and donate endless volunteer hours.
New Brunswick Command has a number of programs for our youth and seniors as well as a sports program for our members. We offer bursaries, youth leadership camp, track and field camp,
The New Brunswick Command also operates a Service Bureau assisting and handling the pension process for our Veterans and still serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces, free of charge.
Our Command is divided into eight (8) Districts and our Provincial Executive consists of a President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Chairman, Immediate Past President, Honourary President, Grand Patron, Padre, eight (8) District Commanders, Sergeant At Arms, and our Provincial Executive Director (ex-officio).
Overview
By the end of World War 1 there were a total of 15 veterans’ groups and a number of regimental associations representing former service members in Canada. Despite their common goal to help returned servicemen in need, their efforts were fragmented and largely unsuccessful. In 1925, an appeal for unity led to the formation of the Dominion Veterans Alliance, out of which evolved The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Services League (BESL) the following year.
The BESL was originally founded in 1921 with the same ideals. It was a coalition of five nations veterans organizations ( Britain, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand). Today it is known as the Commonwealth Ex-services League (CEL) with 52 member organizations from Commonwealth and former Commonwealth nations.
The Legion quickly became a persuasive advocate for improved pension legislation and other benefits for veterans and their families, including: treatment and appeals procedures, returned soldiers’ insurance, and help for those suffering from tuberculosis.
Passage of the 1930 War Veterans’ Allowance Act was a major breakthrough, winning financial assistance for thousands of men who had not been eligible for disability pensions even though they had been incapacitated by war service.
World War II Preparation
World War 2 brought an influx of new demands. The Legion provided canteens, entertainment and reading material for those serving abroad and at home, as well as correspondence courses to help them on their return to civilian life.
But most importantly, from the onset of war, the Legion began to prepare for the returning troops. Financial compensation, clothing allowances, pensions, medical treatment, preference in the civil service, vocational training, land settlements were all routinely arranged and provided. To this day the Legion maintains a nation wide network of professionals helping veterans, ex service members and their families to secure the pensions and benefits to which they are entitled.
The New Millennium
As the Legion moves into the 21st century, its members have re-dedicated themselves to ensure the care of Canada’s veterans and the perpetuation of remembrance. The implementation of the “Two Minute Wave of Silence” in 1999, and the establishment of “The Tomb of The Unknown Soldier” in 2000, are just two examples of how the Legion is preparing Canadians to never forget the lessons and sacrifices of the past. Continued pressure on the federal government to improve benefits for those who have served the country in uniform is the Legion’s other major cornerstone. And, as times change, so will the needs and the Legion’s work to ensure they are met.