Legion marks 100 years of service in Kerrobert
Submitted by Comrade Sandra Smith
Kerrobert Legion Secretary
The Kerrobert Legion Branch No. 88 celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion on June 16 with an afternoon of community activities, recognition and reflection on the Legion's continued commitment to veterans and their families.
100 years of supporting Canada's Veterans
2026 marks a once-in-a-lifetime milestone: a century of standing with Veterans, strengthening communities, and honouring the memory of those who served.
Founded in 1925 at the Unity Conference, the Legion began with a clear mission — to support Veterans, advocate for their rights, and ensure the act Remembrance continues. On July 17, 1926, the Legion was officially incorporated by a special Act of Parliament, now recognized as our anniversary.
Source: www.legion.ca
Legion Members in attendance were (Back Row L-R) Wes Ternes, Lyle Busch, Rick McNichol, Doug McNichol, Sandra Smith. (Front Row) Joey Phillips, Shauna Meek, Tina Burkevitch, Stan Pitura, Tracy Snell, Shelly Dubielewicz.
Hudson Charteris receives his National Youth Remembrance Contest certificate from Comrade Stan Pitura.
Master of Ceremonies Comrade Sandra Smith.
The celebration featured a free swim sponsored by Kerrobert Reddimart, Laurie's Rolling Kitchen food truck and bouncy castles provided by Fun Play Party Rentals. The inflatable attractions were sponsored by Kerrobert Credit Union, Kerrobert Shop Easy, Kerrobert Carstar Autobody, Shortt's Insurance and the Kerrobert Chamber of Commerce.
Comrade Sandra Smith welcomed those in attendance and shared a brief history of the Legion, reminding the community of its ongoing mission to support veterans and their families while ensuring their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.
Seven veteran banners were displayed during the event, honouring Mel Morris, Walter Wandler, Vince Weber, Mel Whetter, Don Pedersen, Cliff Pedersen and Bob Jary. Smith encouraged families interested in recognizing a veteran through the banner program to contact the branch.
The Legion also recognized students from Kerrobert Composite School whose entries in the National Youth Remembrance Contest advanced beyond the branch level to earn zone and district honours. Presentations were made by Sgt.-at-Arms Comrade Stan Pitura.
Recognized students included:
Claire Welter, third place, Primary Black and White Poster (Zone)
Mikah Niskakoski, second place, Junior Essay (Zone)
Jasper Leienweber, third place, Junior Black and White Poster (Zone)
Hudson Charteris, first place, Junior Literary Poem (Zone)
Erin Audrey Paz, first place, Junior Colour Poster (Zone), second place (District)
Mary Phillips, first place, Intermediate Black and White Poster (Zone), third place (District)
Heatley Flahr, third place, Senior Essay (Zone)
Smith noted that by participating in the contest, students help honour Canadians who served during wartime and peacetime while ensuring their contributions are remembered.
Attendees also learned about a special anniversary initiative being offered by the Royal Canadian Legion. To mark its centennial year of service, the organization is providing free memberships to new members who join during 2026.
The Kerrobert branch welcomed seven new members during the year, bringing total membership to 28.
Smith applauded the new members, saying they will bring fresh energy and ideas to the organization while helping the branch continue making a difference in the community.
The branch concluded the celebration by thanking everyone who attended and helped mark the milestone anniversary.