Veterans and Christmas (Author unknown)
If you have a Veteran in your family and you don’t like their mood, and behavior around the holidays; please consider these things…
1.) Your veteran has served in countries where people are blessed to receive a tattered pair of shoes or have clean water to drink; sometimes they find it hard to appreciate any of the commercialism and overindulgence that permeates our holidays. Standing watch, boring as it was, had so much more purpose than going to the mall.
2.) Your Veteran is thankful for the most basic things; not thankful for mega-sales and million-dollar parades. They are thankful to be alive; thankful to have survived both the wars far away and the wars they struggle with inside.
3.) Your Veteran is thankful that it wasn't them that got killed, but their celebrations are forever complicated by guilt and loss over those that were. Some of the most thankful times in their life were some of the scariest. Their feelings of thanks and celebration often conjure memories that are equally painful.
4.) Your Veteran is not like you anymore. At some point, for some period of time, their entire life boiled down to just three simple things: when will I eat today, when will I sleep today, and who will try to kill me today? They are not like you anymore.
5.) Your Veteran does not need a guilt-trip or a lecture; they already feel detached in their grief while others so easily embrace the joy of the season. They need understanding and space; empathy not sympathy.
6.) Your Veteran loves his/her family and is thankful for the many blessings in their life…and they are thankful for you.
To all brothers and sisters who wore the uniform, know that we all struggle with one thing or another but as we go into this holiday season, reach out to those you love. You didn't fight alone in service, and you don't have to fight alone at home.
It's Time for your 2025 Membership Renewal
Early Bird Winners so far:
September winner is Marilyn Rose
October winner is Brian Lillie
2025 Membership dues are $50.00. If you renew before November 30, 2025, you will have a chance to win your 2025 membership! Your new 2025 membership card will be available soon, so don't delay. You are welcome to pay your dues today! Remember, the Early Bird gets the reward!
If paying by cheque make cheque payable to R.C.L. Britannia Branch #7 and mail them to:
PO Box 35037 Hillside
Victoria, BC V8T 3A0
Pay directly online with Dominion Command using a credit card, visit our Membership page for more information on how to renew through Dominion Command.
If you have any questions concerning your membership dues for the year, please e-mail Membership Chair Rich Gerhardt at britannialegion@gmail.com
PLEASE NOTIFY THE BRITANNIA MEMBERSHIP CHAIR OF ANY CHANGES OF ADDRESS. If you have an e-mail address and cell phone # please send it to britannialegion@gmail.com
Please add correct mailing address and phone contact that you want us to use.
THANK YOU FOR CONTINUING TO SUPPORT BRITANNIA THE FRIENDLY BRANCH
Comrade Rich Gerhardt
Membership Chair
PS. Effective back on January 01, 2018, the new plastic membership card is valid for LIFE, and you will only receive via mail a yearly decal on each year’s renewal of your membership. Or you may opt for the virtual Membership card. Thank you!
Mission: To serve Veterans, including serving military and RCMP members and their families, to promote Remembrance, and to serve our communities and our country.
About Us: The RCL #7 Britannia Branch first came into being as The Great War Veterans Association “Victoria Branch”. It was formally opened on Wednesday, November 21, 1917 by Governor-General Sir Victor Christian William Cavendish, 9th Duke of Devonshire.
In 1926, we became the British Empire Service League Britannia, Victoria British Columbia No. 7 Branch on December 6, 1926. For the past 97 years, we operated as Royal Canadian Legion, Britannia #7 Branch of the BC/Yukon Command.
RCL #7 Britannia Branch has been an integral part of the community, serving Victoria & area for over 100 years.
RCL #7 Britannia Branch honours and supports Canadian Veterans, including serving military, RCMP and ex-service personnel, their families and the Victoria community.
As a volunteer community organization we are proud of our history of assisting Veterans and sponsoring programs in our community.
We hold bi-monthly meetings and other social events.
RCL#7 is a virtual branch.
Volunteers:
Please visit our Volunteer Page to inquire how to volunteer and what current volunteer positions are available. Plus from time to time we highlight specific volunteers so please visit our Volunteer Page to hear stories of our Volunteers who are giving back to our members and community.
*Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.”
“Nothing is better than that feeling you get knowing you are a part of making your Legion the great place that we know and love!"
Authors unknown
MSM Honour for our President, Keith Yow
At Britannia Legion’s November 25, 2023 meeting, our past Honours and Awards Chair, George Harman-Wood made a motion to file an application for a Meritorious Service Medal for President Keith Yow. The motion passed with all in favour. All paperwork was forwarded to BC/Yukon Command for processing and then on to Dominion Command for approval. This award is the highest award given to a Canadian Legion Member.
The congratulatory letter reads:
Dear Comrade Yow:
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on your MSM Award. When reading the citation, it immediately became clear to this committee how fortunate the Britannia Branch is to have you as a member.
In recognition of your service, your branch has put your name forward to be honoured with an MSM Award. We were very impressed with the extent of your dedication. You are indeed very worthy of such an honour.
The Legion is very fortunate to have your quality of volunteerism. On behalf of my committee and BC/Yukon Command, congratulations and thank you for your on-going dedication and support.
Peter McKenna
Chairman of the Rituals and Awards Committee
100th Anniversary of Vancouver’s Victory Square Cenotaph, the Victory Square 100 Banner Program
In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Vancouver’s Victory Square Cenotaph, the Victory Square 100 Banner Program has been launched. This initiative aims to honour the service and sacrifices of Veterans by displaying commemorative banners featuring their images and names throughout Victory Square. The banners will be prominently placed around Victory Square and parade route starting in October ahead of this year’s Remembrance Day.
Britannia Legion selected Comrade Gordie Quan to be honoured with a banner.
Below is a photo of the banner and of our branch President Keith Yow presenting a photo of our banner to Comrade Gordie Quan to honour his service in WW2 and his support of Britannia Legion.
Royal Canadain Legion Support for Veterans:
Please visit the Royal Canadian Legion Support for Veterans website for more information on available support services.
The Legion's Veterans Services Network serves all Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, and their families — providing support free of charge.
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Veterans can apply for financial assistance from Support Our Troops |
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Important information for Branch Service Officers |
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Did you know that Support Our Troops is the official charitable cause of the Canadian Armed Forces? Veterans who meet the eligibility criteria with Support Our Troops may apply for loans and grants through Veterans Affairs Canada or the Legion. Visit Support Our Troops for information on their programs and eligibility. |
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The Royal Canadian Legion National Headquarters Veterans Services Department supports the application process for retired CAF Veterans and their families for the Support Our Troops Distress Loan or Grant, the Small Preventative Loan, and the Emergency Grant. Please refer Veterans or their family members to the Legion’s Veterans Services by phone at 877-534-4666 or by email at veteransservices@legion.ca for information and assistance in submitting a completed application package. |
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Support Our Troops is a separate organization from the Legion and as such, Legion Command Services Officers do not have recourse on decisions or outcomes rendered by Support Our Troops. |
Community Involvement
Please visit our Community Involvement Page for information on our recent donations.
Membership Information
Please visit our Membership page for details how to become a member of the Royal Canadian Legion - Britannia 01-007 Branch. We look forward to having you as our member!
Did you know that you don't have to be a veteran or ex-military or a descendent of a veteran to become a member of the Legion?
Legions across the country including us here in Victoria are always welcoming new members to keep up with our many services.
We’re always seeking ways to become more relevant to Veterans young and old we offer kinship and brotherhood, and the peer support wisdom of older Veterans who’ve been where you’re at or may be, assistance dealing with Veterans Affairs (VAC) documentation and forms, and most of all…our friendship and appreciation.
Contact Us:
Mailing Address:
RCL #7 Britannia Branch
PO Box 35037 Hillside
Victoria, BC V8T 3A0
E-Mail Address: britannialegion@gmail.com