The Royal Canadian Legion Moose Jaw Branch is preparing to welcome local heroes, their families, and dedicated caregivers for a special afternoon of fellowship, appreciation, and commemoration. On Saturday, September 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Legion will host its annual Veterans Luncheon at its bright new branch location.

This year’s event carries extra significance as the Royal Canadian Legion celebrates its 100th anniversary across the country. Reflecting this historic milestone, the official theme for this year’s luncheon is “100 Years of Service to our Veterans in Moose Jaw.”

While the Legion marked its centennial with a larger celebration earlier this summer, the primary focus of the Veterans Luncheon remains centered on those who have served.

“The focus of our Veterans’ Luncheons is always to get the Vets out for a nice lunch and give them an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and associates from their military days in a comfortable, non-judgmental atmosphere,” explains Sue Knox, Poppy Chair for the Moose Jaw Branch.

The luncheon is open to all veterans, broad spectrum defined by the Legion to include any person currently serving or who has honourably served in the Canadian Armed Forces (including Reserves), the Commonwealth or its wartime allies, Regular Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Peace Officers on Special Duty Operations, or those who served in the Merchant Navy or Ferry Command during wartime.

In recognition of the sacrifices made at home, the invitation extends to a veteran’s spouse or caregiver, as well as surviving spouses accompanied by a caregiver.

“The wives, husbands, and kids are front and center to military and RCMP members being able to deploy with support from the home front,” Knox emphasizes. “Extending the invite to caregivers ensures the veteran or surviving spouse can still attend with assistance and confidence.”

For many aging veterans or those living on fixed budgets, an in-person, cost-free gathering provides vital encouragement to stay connected.

“As normal aging continues, it becomes more and more difficult for older veterans to get around,” Knox notes. “The opportunity to be treated to a free lunch and reconnect with folks they don’t see on a regular basis is an incentive to do something different without worrying about transport or cost.”

The afternoon will also feature meaningful displays of historical memorabilia alongside the traditional “Missing Person” Table—a solemn tribute set up at all Legion luncheons and Remembrance ceremonies to honor those who died in service or have since passed away.

Supported by Moose Jaw’s notably generous community and the Poppy Trust Fund, the event highlights the branch’s ongoing commitment to local veterans. As attendance continues to grow, organizers hope this year’s gathering will fill the new hall to capacity.

The Royal Canadian Legion Veterans Luncheon will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Moose Jaw Branch located at 693 Fairford St W, Moose Jaw for veterans, serving members, spouses, caregivers, and surviving spouses.

By Joan Ritchie

Moose Jaw Express