Legionnaires Arrive in St. John's, NL for 46th Dominion Convention

ST. JOHN'S, June 10, 2016 /CNW/ - Members of The Royal Canadian Legion from across Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe have started to arrive in St. John's for the 46^th Legion Dominion Convention as well as to mark the Legion's 90^th anniversary and the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont Hamel.  The Convention is the Legion's ruling body and meets every two years.

By Sunday, June 12^th, approximately 1,000 delegates representing the Legion's nearly 300,000 members and its more than 1,440 branches will have descended on St. John's for the Convention being held at the St. John's Convention Centre.

On Sunday morning, the delegates will form up at 9:30 am and will parade along Water Street to the Newfoundland National War Memorial, where a commemorative wreath laying ceremony will occur.  Of special note, at this year's ceremony there will be a wreath placed on behalf of The Royal Newfoundland Regiment in commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel. 

The Convention will be officially opened by The Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, at St. John's Convention Centre on Sunday afternoon.  Joining him at the Opening Ceremony will be various dignitaries representing all levels of government including the keynote speaker, The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence, The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Councillor Tom Hann from the City of St. John's.

This year's National Silver (Memorial) Cross Mother, Mrs. Sheila Anderson of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, will also place a wreath on behalf of the Mothers of Canada. The general public and media are invited to attend this event.

During the Convention, TV personality, Rick Mercer will be presented with the Founder's Award.

Before the Convention is adjourned, numerous issues will have been discussed, resolutions passed or defeated, and a new cadre of Senior Elected Officers will have been elected to lead the organization for the next two years.  

Delegates will have a busy three days with approximately 40 resolutions to consider. These will cover everything from Veterans' issues to program changes, with a heavy emphasis on the well-being of Canada's Veterans.

SOURCE The Royal Canadian Legion Dominion Command

please contact Bruce Poulin at Dominion Command, by cell at [phone] or [email protected].