It was a momentous day for the Lacombe Legions Branch No. 79 on Saturday, January 4th. The organization celebrated its 90th anniversary at its hall with a small ceremony, coffee, and cake. 

On January 1st, 1930 the legion received their charter as the British Servicemen’s League with only 15 members. 30 years later, all-league associations would be called The Royal Canadian Legion.

Originally, the Legion was formed to provide a voice for the veterans of World War I and later on World War II. Although their mission has evolved with the times, 90 years later, the Legion still thrives as an active community group in Lacombe. 

“The Branch supports veterans and the remembrance of all that has come before us. Every conflict, every World War we must—it’s in our oath—it is an obligation that we make ‘to lest we forget, we will remember them.’ We say that over and over and over. That is our main job—the veterans, all service personnel, anyone that has served our country, we support them,” explained Kathy Hobbs, President of the Lacombe Legion Branch No. 79. 

These days, the Legion works primarily with veterans of all service personnel, seniors, and youth. Recently, the Legion has allowed the Brownies to hold their meetings at the Legion’s hall. In the past, they have also provided funding for some youth associations in the community. 

Hobbs said they’ve been actively supporting the Lacombe Hospital, and Lacombe Foundation in order to purchase new and needed equipment. Considering the current state of funding for Lacombe’s healthcare, she expects to aid those organizations in the near future as well.

Past president of the Lacombe Legion Glen Miller believes the contributions are likely the most overlooked aspect of the Branch. 

“People don’t realize how much we give to the community every year. I believe it’s somewhere between $65-60,000 a year. A lot of equipment in the hospital has been put there by the legion. The government doesn’t provide everything,” explained Miller. 

As many Legion Branches struggle throughout Canada, Hobbs believes Lacombe’s community keeps Branch No. 79 thriving. 

“Some of the rural community is where the legions have shut down. [They] are not growing, members pass, and it’s hard to replace. We certainly have seen a loss of members here due to age, but Lacombe is a very special community. It’s close-knit. There’s a lot of friendship, socialization, fellowship, and that’s what the Legion offers and we have increased by 15 to 20 people just this last year alone and that’s what draws them,” said Hobbs. 

However, some changes will still be taking place, as Branch No. 79 says goodbye to its’ Ladies’ Auxillary this year after the group celebrated 70 years of service in 2018. 

“Ladies auxiliaries are folding. It’s a shame. We will miss ours, we had tears and I’m probably going to choke up thinking about it. They’re good friends. They support the branch. They just contribute so much I know I haven’t said enough words to cover everything. They are just a great bunch of ladies we will miss them,” said Hobbs. 

At the 90th anniversary, the Ladies’ Auxiliary received a standing ovation for their service to the Branch over the years where they provided meals, helped with ceremonies, fundraising and many other tasks. Tears were shed as the legion gave the auxiliary their due respect. 

The Legion is no stranger to adversity and although the loss of the Ladies’ Auxillary will be felt, it seems the Branch will continue being an active player in the community for many years to come.