Roch Voisine and George Stroumboulopoulos narrate 100 years of Royal Canadian Legion history

A short documentary marking the Royal Canadian Legion's 100-year history was officially released Oct. 29, narrated by singer Roch Voisine and broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos.

The Legion's early history is anchored in being the first major source of support for Veterans in Canada. It coalesced in the wake of the First World War. The documentary shows how the organization sparked the establishment of hospitals dedicated to Veteran injuries, chartered steamships to carry Veterans to the unveiling of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, and helped bring about Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Voisine said his family and friends have served in the military, some in Afghanistan. "We're very lucky to live in this country, and people had to pay the price for this," he said. "For me, it was a way to say thanks... these people are important and we have to take care of them. I'm glad I did it."

Stroumboulopoulos joined the reserves as a teen and stayed for six months. As a child, he visited a seniors' home where many residents were Second World War Veterans. "They would just tell me stories," he said. "And for sure it had an impact on me."

Legion Dominion President Sharon McKeown said the narrators' involvement was fitting. "There is something very special about this," she said. "To have these two incredible artists telling our story is so fitting, given their own contributions to Canada. We are honoured they shared their talent with us."