The Royal Canadian Legion Saskatchewan Command LEST WE FORGET 9 February 17-18, 1926, saw the first Royal Canadian Legion convention being held in the city of Regina; headlines read, "The Canadian Legion is launched in Saskatchewan." First Provincial Conference of United Organization exemplifies Haig's message of "Unity, Comradeship and Peace." Elected by acclamation as First President of Legion Provincial Council was Colonel James McAra, who had been President of G.W.V.A. for eight successive terms. The Veterans of the Province of Saskatchewan have led the way in the actual organization of the "Canadian Legion of the British Empire Service League." Items of note that were taken from this initial conference were: • Armistice Day each year as a national day of commemoration Formal ritual for meetings & funerals be introduced • More advertising to the public of vet-craft poppies • Pension Board be re-organized to elevate the dissatisfaction and unrest of the Veterans • Second convention was held in North Battleford from June 9-10, 1927 • Sunday February 12, 1928, a memorial service for Field Marshal Earl Haig, Commander of the British Expeditionary Forces during the Great War, was organized by Regina Branch # 1 in St. Paul's Anglican Church • The third convention in Regina on November 1929 saw the introduction of War Veterans Act introduced in Parliament and the Soldiers Settlement Act formed • March 1930 saw the fourth convention in Moose Jaw and the establishment of the Provincial Ladies’ Auxiliary • February 19-20, 1931 saw the fifth convention in Saskatoon. Free land grants for a further ten years and imperial Vets granted some pension opportunities • February 24-25, 1932, Regina hosted the sixth convention. Zone Representatives have a vote on the floor. New pension system in place. Ottawa recognized Saskatchewan's request to have November 11th set aside as a public holiday, known as Remembrance Day • June 5-6, 1934, our seventh convention was held in Saskatoon and the Ladies’ Auxiliary has declared that they will hold their conventions at the same time as ours. Brigadier-General Alex Ross was elected Dominion President • June 18-19, 1935, eighth convention held in Moose Jaw, and it was moved that conventions be held every two years (Continued...)
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