With the Royal Canadian Legion marking its 100th anniversary this year, Burford-Cathcart-Harley Branch 543 welcomed the community to an open house on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The event featured a wide range of exhibits and displays, including newspaper clippings, photographs documenting the local legion’s history, and more than 14,000 crocheted and knitted poppies.
With everyone gathered inside and out of the legion, the opening ceremony got underway with the North Shore and Cadet Pipe Band piping in members of the legion and Ladies’ Auxiliary.
After welcoming everyone to the open house, Legion Branch 543 president Vic Richardson invited Padre David Virr to say a few words and a prayer.
“I want to congratulate the entire Royal Canadian Legion on 100 years, and the selfless sacrifice of this organization, especially Branch 543,” he said. “I’ve been here in Burford for years now, and let me tell you, you have been active. You’ve been serving your community, reminding us of our freedom and why that matters to us as Canadians. So well done and congratulations for all the work that you do.”
Afterwards, soon to be former Ward 4 County Councillor David Miller stepped up to the podium to offer a few remarks.
“Council has been very, very supportive of the legions in the county, and for good reason. Legions do a lot of good work, and I think I think most people here know that it is a little more than just good work,” he said. “I think everyone here today in this room is very familiar with the expression, ‘freedom isn’t free.’ But I think over the last few years, it seems maybe more and more Canadians seem to forget that our freedoms come with a high price for a lot of people. I have tremendous respect for the legions and in reminding people of that fact.”
Following words from Zone B2 Commander Dianne Hodges, Richardson then took a moment to speak about the legion and the work it does throughout the community.
“Our branch here is nearly 75 years old. As president, I’d like to thank my executive, and all the hardworking legion members who make our branch such a success. For our guests here today, you may be wondering, ‘Where do the funds raised at our legion go?’” he said. “Well, our main goal is to support our veterans, spouses of veterans, our active military, as well as our future military children, including sea, army and navy cadets. Our legion, along with those other branches in Zone B and beyond, help other charities that assist veterans. These include Parkwood Hospital in London, service dogs for people with disabilities, track and field funding for legion families that are in need financially, Shepherds of Good Hope for homeless veterans, and an extensive variety of programs to assist with housing when needed. We also support other community events, sporting groups and food banks. We’re very good at that.”
Richardson went on to speak about recent grants that allowed the legion to install a new Remembrance-themed sidewalk, cenotaph plaque, lighting and two memorial benches. He also spoke about local Burford residents and companies who kind donations ensure the legion could acquire a new fence for the cenotaph, as well as a new kitchen.
After a few more speeches, those present spent the rest of the afternoon mingling with others, taking a closer look at the legion’s crochet poppy project, perusing the many displays, learning about the Ladies’ Auxiliary and how they could further support the legion, as well as enjoying a few snacks, drinks and a slice of cake or two.
Richardson later told the Brant Beacon he was “thrilled to see such a wonderful turnout” for the event and was honoured to be celebrating 100 years of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
