Remarks by
The Honourable Anita Neville, P.C., O.M.
Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba
50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE GLADSTONE LEGION
Gladstone Branch, Royal Canadian Legion
Saturday, June 7, 2025, 10:45 a.m.
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Friends and fellow Manitobans, members and supporters of a most Canadian institution, it’s a pleasure to join you in a gathering place that is the heart of your community.
We are meeting tonight in the heart of Treaty One land and the heartland of the Red River Metis, in a province born through a coming-together of peoples. As Manitobans, we acknowledge that this province is built on the ancestral and treaty lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Dene and Dakota peoples, on the homeland of the Red River Metis and on northern lands that are the home of the Inuit.
As Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, I am honoured to serve in a province committed to truth, reconciliation and collaboration among all of those who call this place home.
We’re gathered for this celebration during a difficult time for many people in Manitoba – while wildfires have forced mass evacuations of many towns and First Nations across our province.
We’ve seen outpourings of support across Manitoba, as communities make room for fire evacuees. And we know that the bravery and determination of first responders is rising to the challenge, from the Whiteshell and Nopiming to Flin Flon and Pukatawagan.
So today, as we celebrate an institution that strengthens our love of country and community ties – the Royal Canadian Legion — we keep in our minds all those who fight fire and assist those affected by it.
With that in mind, it’s a special pleasure to celebrate your 50th anniversary here in Gladstone. For five decades the Gladstone Legion has been a place to bring people together, support veterans, foster the spirit of remembrance, and strengthen both community and youth services and projects.
While the Legion is an important institution across Canada, with its network of more than 1,200 branches and 275,000 members, it’s especially close to the hearts of Manitobans.
One hundred years ago, the Legion was born in Winnipeg to support veterans of the First World War.
For a century, the Legion has helped to keep the sacrifices and contributions of veterans fresh in Canadian minds. While the Legion has looked back to keep history alive, it has always looked forward as well, though support for cadets, youth sports, scholarships and bursaries.
Across Canada, Legion branches support countless important community facilities and resources – like the Legion Aquatic Centre in Gladstone, which I was pleased to visit today.
Today has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know this community and see pieces of Manitoba history – from the 1877 North West Territory boundary marker to a turn of the century landmark home to Gladstone’s memorial cenotaph.
I’ve enjoyed a day in the life of the Gladstone of 2025 – with a lovely visit to the United Church Food Cupboard and a delicious lunch at Follow the Crumbs.
I truly appreciate your hospitality and the organizing work of all those who made this trip to Gladstone memorable.
As the Gladstone Legion enters its second half-century – I wish you many more years of friendship, service and memories.
To all who have helped to keep the Legion a vital part of Gladstone, and to all of those who keep Gladstone a vital part of Manitoba, thank you.
Thank you. Merci. Meegwich. Shalom
