History
History
The Royal Canadian Legion has a long history of proudly supporting Veterans. When the First World War came to an end, numerous Veterans groups and regimental associations representing former service members were created. Despite their shared goals, efforts were fragmented and unsuccessful.
An appeal for unity led to the formation of the Dominion Veterans Alliance and, in Winnipeg in 1925, the Legion was founded as “The Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League.” It was incorporated by a special Act of Parliament and the Charter was issued in July 1926. On December 19, 1960, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II gave her consent to use the prefix ‘Royal’, and the organization became known as ‘The Royal Canadian Legion.” The Act of Incorporation was later amended in 1961 to make the change official.
The Legion’s initial main objective was to provide a strong voice for First World War Veterans. However, the advent of the Second World War created a host of new demands. The Legion expanded to offer more dedicated support to Veterans, as well as those serving abroad.
Today, the Legion continues to improve the lives of Veterans, including serving the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP, and their families. This has been our principal objective since our inception and we will continue to work for it today and every day forward.
Our History
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Branch 383 of the Royal Canadian Legion has operated in Tara since 1946, with the Branch Charter being signed on February 9, 1946. The Branch has been in its present premises on River Street in the heart of Tara since 1947.
76 years later and after many amazing years supporting our veterans and the community, and with a bright future, we are encouraged and delighted to continue doing what we have done so well for years to come.
We deeply appreciate the communities and member support during the growth of Branch 383. The Branch currently has approximately 300 members.
The chartered members of the Branch are:
G.M. Merriam, M. Brunton, F. Mills, T.N. Duff, A. Crawford, R. Player, G. Aiken, P. Tobey, J. Nelson, W.R. Smith, T. Manley, J.R. McNabb, C. Reed, H. Aiken, and Colonel W.H. Fenton.
The Branch 383 Ladies Auxiliary was formed and the Ladies Auxiliary Charter was received on April 18, 1975. The Branch is extremely fortunate in having a strong and committed Ladies’ Auxiliary working alongside it in fostering, promoting, and supporting the advancement of the Veterans’ organisations. They are an invaluable aid to the Branch that is separate in terms of electing their own officers to manage their affairs.
The hard work of the Auxiliary members over the years – catering, and Bake sales – contributed many thousands of dollars to the welfare of the Branch, and community. One highlight is that they host all veterans after the Remembrance Day ceremony on 11 November. May we, the members of Branch 383, be ever indebted to the Ladies Auxiliary members for their devotion and loyalty.
THANK YOU LADIES FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT.
The Tara Cenotaph
The raising of money to erect a memorial in Tara to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I and World War II was the first major work of the Branch.
In 2015 the cenotaph was in need of restoration, and the community of Tara proudly restored its cenotaph. There is a special plaque displayed at the site of the cenotaph that names the supporting sponsors and volunteers who made the restoration project possible. Thank you to all that made this possible.
With each year that passes it gets more important to remember
The Legion exists so that Canada never forgets
The Legion understands the importance of honouring past sacrifices and acknowledging the courage of those who served and still serve today. Through Remembrance Day ceremonies, Poppy campaign, commemorative activities, youth education programs and more, the Legion helps Canadians to honour and remember.