The Royal Canadian Legion is marking a major milestone this year, and the Exeter Legion is inviting the community to be part of it.
Legion branches across Canada are celebrating the organization’s 100th anniversary in 2026. To mark the occasion, the Legion is offering free memberships to new members for the year. Exeter Legion President Barb Willard says the free offer is open to anyone who has never been a Legion member before.
Willard says people can apply either online or by stopping in at the Exeter Legion to pick up an application. She notes the form is slightly different from a regular membership application.
She also wants residents to know that you do not have to be a veteran to join the Legion.
Membership is open to the wider community, whether someone has a family connection to the military or not. All new members must be accepted by the local branch, but Willard says the Legion welcomes community-minded people who want to get involved.
Volunteers and new members are very important to keeping the Legion strong, especially at the local level. She adds that people can choose how involved they want to be, from helping at events and meals to taking on executive roles.
The Exeter Legion is also planning activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary. Willard says a committee will be formed to organize events later this year, possibly in the summer or fall. More details will be shared once plans are finalized.
Willard adds that the Exeter Legion itself is nearly a century old, at about 97 years, making it one of the long-standing community organizations in the area. She encourages residents to consider joining or volunteering and helping the Legion continue its work for years to come.
