Veterans salute in Brampton at a flag raising to signal the start of the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign on Oct. 27, 2023. Photo: City of Brampton
One of Brampton’s Royal Canadian Legion branches turns 100 this year, and the city is inviting residents to honour its veterans with a series of events and ceremonies.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion, and the centennial of Brampton’s Branch 15 – named after Major William Dwight Sharpe.
A former Medical Officer with the British Admiralty, Sharpe served with the 234th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War One – a unit which predated the Lorne Scots Regiment, which is still an active Canadian Army Reserve Regiment headquartered just around the block from the branch.
With between 15 to 25 members of the Brampton community serving overseas and more awaiting deployment in 2027, Brampton City Council passed a motion earlier this summer to proclaim July 22 as Royal Canadian Legion Day. And the city and Legion are inviting residents to celebrate the branch’s centennial with events through to November.
“Throughout this centennial year, we have worked together to bring this important milestone to life across Brampton through commemorative initiatives, community events and opportunities for residents to honour those who have served,” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said in a release.
“This is a year to celebrate the Legion’s lasting contribution to our community, recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans and military families, and thank the members and volunteers who continue to keep remembrance at the heart of our community.”
Created by Brampton artist Chelsea Charles, a mural at Brampton City Hall honours a century of service. Residents are invited to honour the 100-year milestone by visiting the mural.
“The artwork reflects the history, sacrifice and community spirit that have defined the Legion for generations,” the city says of the artwork.
There are also commemorative gardens at Royal Canadian Legion Major William Dwight Sharpe Branch 15 and Branch 609. The city says existing flower beds have been revitalized with colourful blooms, newly installed planters and rejuvenated garden spaces to create “living tributes to 100 years of service and remembrance.”
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Brampton will hold a Remembrance Day Ceremony on Nov. 11, which will include a special Freedom of the City Parade to recognize the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary and its century of service to veterans and communities.
The Legion will also be hosting anniversary ceremonies, community open houses, barbecues and other programming throughout the year.
“Our commitment to serving veterans and their families, remembering those who served and supporting our community continues today,” said Henry F. Verschuren, a life member at Branch 15. “We are grateful to the City of Brampton and residents for helping us recognize this important milestone and for honouring the legacy of those who came before us.”
For more information on how the city is honouring the Legion’s centennial, visit www.Brampton.ca.
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