It’s a busy lunch rush at the Royal Canadian Legion in Minden, but one table is unoccupied. It always is. It is left vacant in honour of those who never came back from battlegrounds in Europe, Asia and Africa, or who may have survived, but were never the same.
While diners come in to enjoy the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. serving, some may not stop to examine the impressive display of memorabilia on the walls.
People are being encouraged to stop into the Mabel D. Brannigan Branch 636 on Hwy. 35 this Friday (July 17) as the branch celebrates the Legion’s 100th anniversary in Canada. The Minden branch has been around since 1988.
Treasurer, Paul Norry, said former Minden bank manager, Al Mayo, was “very instrumental” in finding the building and getting the money to purchase it. “He was the driving force. He and Mabel got it together.”
Back then, the legion was entirely volunteer-run, but now has employees and a popular restaurant. They have had to extend parking at the back of the property to accommodate the crowds.
Above the fireplace is their charter, issued by the Dominion Command.
Hetty Leitch said they have uniforms from people who served in wars. There are photographs and paintings, such as two that were done by legion member Chris Burton’s father.
Leitch said, “I’d like (people) to come in and see the memorabilia because it is from donations from people who have been in different wars. Unfortunately, memorabilia tends to become wallpaper.”
They are changing displays up, including some Second World War bond posters they found.
The branch is hosting an open house Friday (July 17), from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to the memorabilia, and sweet treats, they will have sticky notes they would like people to write a message of remembrance on.
Fwin Norry said, “messages can include a few words of thanks, a name, a memory, or a reflection of what remembrance means to them. The message will become part of a largescale commemorative mural honouring the fallen, which will be unveiled during the Remembrance Day period by the Royal Canadian Legion.”
Legion headquarters said “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 of remembrance continues. On July 17, 1926, the legion was officially incorporated by a special Act of Parliament, now recognized as our anniversary.”
What else is happening?
Haliburton Legion president Mike Waller said celebrations will be pretty low-key Friday. His wife, Cheryl, has prepared treats and there will be a toast to mark the occasion before the usual 3 p.m. meat draw.
Waller believes the centennial is a major milestone for the legion.
“For the last 100 years the legion has been supporting veterans, helping people through things. The fact it’s still here and thriving a century later is great. I’m hoping it keeps going for another 100 years or more,” Waller said.
Membership at the Haliburton branch is up this year. To mark the anniversary, The Royal Canadian Legion waived the usual sign-up fee for new members this year. Waller said there have been about 170 new people register, taking the legion to about 600 members.
Henry Dickinson, president of the Cardiff legion, hasn’t seen any such boom in his community. A member of the Highlands East-based branch for 30 years in 2026, Dickinson said local membership is at an all-time low.
“It can be hard to convince new veterans to come out. We’ve got to find ways to get people interested in the Legion again,” Dickinson said.
Waller said one misconception people have is that the legion is only for veterans – and even more than that, for those who have seen active combat. But anyone can become a member, whether they have a connection to the military or not.
“All we’re here for is to help – to support people that want and need to be supported, and to provide community for those looking for it,” Waller said.
Later this summer, the Haliburton Legion will hold a special event to debut new displays in the Mountbatten Room. Waller said legion member Kevin Habib has been working for the past year to create an exhibition showcasing local war memorabilia.
“There will be a little open house and walkabout tour of the town – we’ll go down by the plane and to the tank and then bring people back to the legion for some treats,” Waller said. A date has not yet been decided.
In Kinmount, people can stop by the legion for some cake at 6:15 p.m. President Dean Curtis said the branch is also celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2026
He’s been a member for six years and said numbers are strong this year, with 18 new members taking them to 114.
“One hundred years is a huge milestone for an organization, there aren’t many other institutions that can say that. The good the legion does for veterans and in the community – supporting food banks and youth, it’s amazing and it’s all volunteerled,” Curtis said.
The Wilberforce Legion is holding its celebrations a week later, across two days next Friday (July 24) and Saturday (July 25). There is a meat cannelloni dinner on the Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., prepared by the ladies auxiliary, with live music by Wilberforce Boys and the Sponge. Festivities kick off at noon Saturday, with kids karaoke, meat draw, tree planting and more live music.
Lloyd Harris, president of the Coboconk branch, said they’re holding a celebration during Legion Week in September. There will be a free luncheon, games and jam session on Sept. 23.
