Our History

The Royal Canadian Legion has its origins in several small associations of ex-soldiers that

existed throughout Canada before and during the First World War. One of the groups was the

Army and Navy Veterans in Canada. The largest national organization, established in 1917, was

the Great War Veterans’ Association (GWVA). By the end of the war there were 15 veterans

groups and a variety of regimental associations scattered across the country, representing the

interests of former servicemen and women. Canada, several veterans' organizations emerged

after the First World War. The Great War Veterans Association was the largest of 15. That year,

the Dominion Veterans Alliance served this purpose.

In November 1925, the Canadian Legion was founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba, as the Canadian

Legion of the British Empire Services League, incorporated on July 17, 1926, by special Act of

Parliament. It grew steadily through the 1930s, then expanded rapidly following the Second

World War. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II presented it royal patronage and so it became the Royal

Canadian Legion.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 288 Westbank did not get its’ start until April 10 th , 1989,

thus making it one of the youngest legions in Canada. Before that date it was surmised that

having a Legion Branch in Peachland, Summerland, and Kelowna was enough to serve the

surrounding population. Undeterred, a group of individuals, led by Zone Commander Milt

Wilson, set about gathering over 200 veterans to sign a petition, emphasizing the need to add a

Legion in Westbank.

The Westbank Legion found its home in the old Hamburger Haven burger joint in the Elliott

Plaza, where it still stands today. It has grown steadily over the years and despite having the

smallest footprint of the ten other Branches in the South Okanagan and Similkameen zone, it

now has the largest membership within the zone at over 850.

One of the things this “little Legion” is best known for is taking care of Veterans. In the past three

years, 28 veterans have received their quilt of valour, the most given out by any legion in the

area. The legion also hosts an elaborate Christmas party for the long-term-care home

veterans, shut-in veterans, and veteran widows. Santa makes an appearance and gives all

veterans a gift but it is the homemade poppy blanket, donated every year by Mrs. Michelle

Rutledge of Prince George, BC, that they all covet.

For the active veterans of the Legion, they each receive a telephone call inviting them to have a

free burger and a drink to thank them for their service during the annual Canada Day BBQ put on

by the many volunteers of the Legion.

Every month, the President chooses a veteran to

be the “Veteran of the Month”. A picture of the individual, along with a short summary of the member’s career is posted on the Branch’s Facebook page for all members to see and

comment on.

Branch President, Necole Belanger and

Comrade David Reichert, aka Santa,

present Major (Retired) Steve Bruskiewich

with his poppy blanket