They Gathered Here-Centenary Open House at Legion 101

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They Gathered Here... Hundreds Gather to Celebrate the Royal Canadian Legion's 100th Anniversary at Long Branch 101

Torrential rain and tornado warnings failed to deter the enthusiastic crowd. 

Over 300 Legion members, residents, and visitors filled Elliott Hall at Long Branch Legion 101 on Saturday, July 18th, to take part in a meaningful community remembrance event celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion. Attendees came together to honor this historical commemoration, leaving with a richer understanding of the Legion's legacy and the extraordinary stories of men and women from Long Branch, Lakeview, New Toronto, Mimico, and Humber Bay who served during the World Wars.

One guest remarked on the event's success as "very informative and very well attended," while another described it as "a wonderful tribute to the history of the Legion." It was precisely what the organizers intended — a chance for the community to unite in honoring service, remembering sacrifice, and celebrating a century of the Legion's unwavering commitment to veterans and their families.

Local Member of Provincial Parliament Lee Fairclough was among those present, exploring the exhibition and engaging with dedicated volunteers. She expressed her gratitude for the exceptional effort that went into crafting a program that celebrated the Legion's centenary while illuminating local history.

Coordinated by Katy Whitfield, Project Coordinator of the acclaimed They Walked These Streets...We Will Remember Them, alongside Claire Laporte, Youth Education Liaison for Legion 101, the afternoon commenced with introductory remarks from Legion President Alan Roy. Whitfield then delivered a keynote presentation that situated the community's wartime experiences within the larger narrative of Canada's military service.

Guests spent the day perusing various exhibits and interacting with local authors, historians, and community organizations. They learned about Ontario’s Farmerettes, Toronto's Bomb Girls, the 116th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and the 1st Special Service Force in 1944. The Etobicoke Historical Society showcased artifacts and stories from the local community's past, while the Honouring Bravery, Canada Company’s Military History Learning Program, featured banners and narratives recognizing Canada's contributions on D-Day. Representatives from the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association and the Toronto Police Service were also present, and the Legion's archival team exhibited objects from their collection. Historical banners highlighting the Small Arms Factory Limited, Long Branch Aerodrome, and the Long Branch Rifle Range accompanied museum displays filled with artifacts, photographs, and archival materials. Bookmarks and postcards gave visitors a tangible memento to take home, ensuring that the stories lived on beyond the event and aiding in their understanding of how the World Wars shaped Long Branch, as well as how the Legion has served veterans and their families for 100 years.

Saturday's celebration not only marked a significant milestone for the Royal Canadian Legion, but it also launched a year-long community history project that honors the Legion's centenary and its lasting ties to Long Branch. Supported in part by the Government of Canada through Veterans Affairs Canada's Commemorative Partnership Program, this project has already brought a commemorative museum exhibit and historical banners to life. In the coming year, additional funding will also enable the digitization of the Long Branch Legion's unique archival collection and the creation of educational resources for local schools and community spaces.

Everyone is welcome to participate in Long Branch Legion 101’s year-long local cultural events honoring service, remembering stories, and exploring the shared military history that continues to influence the Long Branch community today.