Royal Canadian Legion

Branch97 - Oliver


ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 97
 
The Royal Canadian Legion is Canada’s largest Veteran support and community service organization.

The Legion is a democratic, non-partisan, member based organization whose 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. As the largest Veteran and community support organization in Canada, our more than 300,000 members in over 1400 Branches across Canada make a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families, provide essential services within our communities, and Remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country.


 


How we help:

Professional Command Legion Service Officers provide counselling, assistance and representational services free of charge, whether or not you are a Legion member. Our representation role is mandated through legislation.

Outreach to Veterans in the community:

Legion Branch Service Officers are the eyes and ears of the Service Bureau Network at the grass roots level, who often first come into contact with Veterans and their families. Their role is to act as referral agents to Command Service Officers.

Helping Veterans get the benefits they need:

Service Officers provide direct assistance to Veterans and their families. As a Dominion Command Service Officer in Ottawa, Carolyn Gasser states: “We can be a gateway to VAC programs, allowing Veterans to deal with one person for a variety of services. This is important for Veterans with complex disabilities or for those looking for direction and information on a sometimes complicated process.” Service Officers also can refer their clients to other programs, services and supports available to Veterans and their families.


 
They shall not grow old
As we that are left grow old
Age shall not weary them
Nor the years condemn
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them

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I shuffle my feet through the autumn leaves,
A fresh chill is in the air.
On November 11th a mother grieves,
Her son is no longer there.

That morning in Ottawa a soft rain falls,
Canadians gather on Parliament Hill.
In Afghanistan a soldier’s cry calls,
A dusty wind erodes his will.

Cameras linger on time-worn faces,
Wrinkled eyes still glinting with pride.
Young recruits eagerly train at bases,
Soon replacing those who have died.

The singing of “O Canada” rings strongly,
A poppy over each person’s heart.
Nations continue to bicker wrongly,
Government leaders so far apart.

Upon the cenotaph, wreaths are placed,
Bright ribbons bearing names.
The ills of society can’t be erased,
There’s no point playing deadly games.

In that minute of silence we remember
Heads bowed, tears fall to the ground
Hope seems nothing but a dying ember
Faith in humanity whispers not a sound

For that moment I pause to consider
The face of freedom today
Is it smiling or is it bitter?
Because of all that we’ve thrown away.

A trumpet plays The Last Post,
The bagpipes notes float bravely after.
I am resolved to remember most,
That in the world there’s still some laughter.

I must shrug off the heaviness of this date,
And be thankful for the free life I live.
Make a promise not to surrender to hate,
Be a strength, share love, just give.

Author: Mallory Abbie