The Legion Hall has been a fixture in Canadian communities for many decades. The Royal Canadian Legion was founded in 1925 after the First World War as a place for veterans to gather. But in recent years, it has been difficult for Legions across the country to recruit new members.
The NDG legion hosted a gathering over traditional Irish stew on Mar. 15, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and welcome the community beyond military circles. Legion President, Bob Boutilier told CJLO they host a range of events, from Jewish holiday celebrations to Palestinian arts and crafts. He likes to think of the branch “like the East NDG Community Centre,” and emphasized the Legion as an inclusive space.
Della Robertson, Sergeant at Arms, explained that many legions have closed since the pandemic, and at the NDG branch is working to bolster its membership and bring in younger folks so they can keep the branch alive.
