Airdrie Legion marks 100-year milestone with community celebration on Bauer Street
Airdrie Legion Branch 288 brought together veterans and residents on July 17 to commemorate the Canadian Legion's centennial with marching colour party and local RCMP.
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Airdrie Legion Branch 288 celebrated the Canadian Legion's 100-year milestone on July 17, bringing together community members and veterans for a commemoration event that honoured the organization's decade-long commitment to supporting those who served.
The Canadian Legion was created in 1925 and was recognized by Parliament on July 17, 1926, marking July 17 as its annual anniversary. For this centennial, ATCO's Community Equipment Program provided a 28-foot stage, and local RCMP assisted in temporarily closing Bauer Street to accommodate the gathering.
The official ceremony featured a Legion colour party, RCMP in red serge, and Airdrie Cadets in a formal march. Veterans were given special seating at the front with their families.
"It feels like mixed emotions, because it's such an honour to be able to celebrate this and to recognize how vital a role the Legion has played with veterans," said Gail Nicholson, president of the Airdrie Legion. "It's a service organization that's done great work over the years, and I'm glad it's continuing and it's made it a century," added veteran Bill Drummond.
The Airdrie Legion has supported the community through multiple initiatives. Its gaming fund has helped the Airdrie Food Bank, Boys and Girls Club, Airdrie First, and the Christmas Campaign, among others. The poppy fund has provided educational bursaries to spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of veterans, granting $4,000 to each child accepted over the past year.
According to Nicholson, the Legion is seeking to expand its footprint, looking for a larger building and planning to develop an outreach program focused on PTSD support, veteran transportation to appointments, income tax assistance, and increased volunteer engagement.
At a glance
Where did Airdrie Legion celebrate its centennial?
Airdrie Legion Branch 288 held the celebration on Bauer Street in Airdrie on July 17, 2026.
When was the Canadian Legion officially recognized?
The Canadian Legion was recognized by Parliament on July 17, 1926, making July 17 its annual anniversary date.
What services does Airdrie Legion's poppy fund provide?
Airdrie Legion's poppy fund provides educational bursaries to spouses, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of veterans, granting $4,000 to each child accepted over the past year.
What new programs is Airdrie Legion planning?
Airdrie Legion is developing an outreach program focused on PTSD support, veteran transportation to appointments, income tax assistance, and increased volunteer engagement.
