The Carman Legion Branch No. 18 is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, commemorating a century of remembering, honouring and supporting Canadian veterans of the past, present and future.
A Canadian Legion 100th anniversary medal was presented to the 2025 executive members and past president of Carman Legion Branch No. 18 as part of its centennial celebrations in 2026
Karen Maxwell, president of the Carman Legion, said she and her fellow members are committed to remembering the past and the reasons the legion was created.
“We never want to forget who they are,” she said. “We want to celebrate our veterans, their families and widows — that is our number one goal.”
Canadian legions were formed in 1926 as a place to unite and support veterans returning from war. One year earlier, the Great War Veterans Association of Canada unified members from the British Empire Service League (Canadian Section), the Legion of Frontiersmen (Canadian Division), the Canadian Veterans’ Alliance, the Imperial Veterans in Canada, the Tubercular Veterans’ Association, the Scarred Veterans’ Association and the Naval Veterans’ Association. In 1960, Canadian legions gained “Royal” status when Queen Elizabeth II honoured their service record.
While the Carman branch will not celebrate its official centennial until Dec. 6, members are planning festivities throughout the year.
Throughout the last century, Maxwell said the legion’s mission has remained unchanged: to never forget those who served and continue to serve.
“Without them, we might not be able to live in the country we call home, and we need to keep the memories alive of our fallen comrades,” she said.
Over the years, the branch has seen several changes, particularly in membership.
Originally, only veterans were permitted to hold ordinary memberships. Associate memberships — also known as spouses or children of veterans — were added in 1974, and in 1990 eligibility expanded to include additional family members. More recently, affiliate voting and affiliate non-voting memberships were introduced for individuals who wish to support the legion but do not have relatives who served.
Maxwell said that in the early days, the vast majority of members were veterans. Today, associate memberships make up 170 — or 61 per cent — of the branch’s 281 active members, which she believes is a positive shift.
“We need new and active members to keep the legacy of the legion alive,” she said. “Without them, we aren’t going to last for another 100 years.”
Maxwell became involved with the Carman Legion in 1986 while working as a bartender. She officially joined as a fraternal — now known as affiliate — member on Jan. 1, 1987, and in 1990 became an associate member through her husband, who was also an associate member at the time. On March 31, 2014, Maxwell received the honorary title of life member and has served on the executive board for more than three decades.
With grandfathers and uncles who served in the war, Maxwell said her connection to the legion is deeply personal.
“I love to be involved with my community, and I joined the legion because a piece of my heart is there,” she said. “We don’t want to forget why this place came to be in the first place.”
To mark the centennial milestone, a variety of events are planned throughout the year. The branch kicked off celebrations by honouring its 2025 executive members and past president with a special Canadian Legion 100th anniversary medal. Awards chair Ken Minty presented the medals, marking his final official duty after serving on the executive for 30 years.
“The executives of all legions are volunteers, and this is a very small gesture from the membership to thank them for all they do,” he said.
Upcoming public events include a celebratory barbecue on July 25 and a grand celebration on Dec. 6. Smaller, members-only events will also take place, including the annual veterans’ dinner in September. More information on scheduled festivities will be shared closer to each date.
Maxwell is also inviting anyone with photographs or memorabilia from the past century to share them with the legion so a special historical display can be created. She added that all items will be carefully handled and eventually returned to their owners.
Looking ahead, Maxwell hopes to continue strengthening the legion’s presence in the community.
“Please join us in remembering and celebrating our veterans and show others the importance of supporting local legions,” she said. “It’s about remembering the past and supporting the veterans who are still with us.”
Those interested in becoming members can sign up online or visit the Carman Legion in person during operating hours. To mark the centennial anniversary, first-time memberships are free.
