The Royal Canadian Legion’s B.C./Yukon Command said new membership has soared as the organization marks its 100th anniversary this year.
The Legion has made membership free for all Canadians in 2026 in honour of the centenary.
The command said it had welcomed more than 43,000 new members as of Nov. 3, compared with fewer than 9,000 at the same point last year.
It also reported close to 85,000 paid memberships this year, up from about 50,000 in 2025.
President Bob Underhill noted people do not need to have served in the military or be a family member of a veteran to join the Legion.
He said he hopes that Canadians continue to show their support for veterans beyond the annual poppy campaign.
“I hope that they hold the memory of what has happened in the past and recently in their hearts and are going to come out and help the Legions wherever possible,” said Underhill.
Remembrance Day ceremonies are set to take place Wednesday, Nov. 11 in communities across the province to honour veterans and those who died in the line of duty.
The ceremonies include a moment of silence at 11 a.m. marking the date and time in 1918 when First World War hostilities ceased.
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