8 May 1945 – VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) – was one that remained in the memory of all those who witnessed it. It meant an end to nearly six years of a war that had cost the lives of millions; had destroyed homes, families, and cities; and had brought huge suffering and privations to the populations of entire countries.

On Monday June 2nd 2025, Branch 88 will be hosting the annual dinner to honour Veterans. If you are a Veteran
living in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows you are welcome to attend as well as past presidents of the Branch or Ladies Auxiliary.
Legion Membership is not required.

Today we remember...
Liberation Day, known as ‘Bevrijdingsdag‘ in Dutch, is not just another date on the Netherlands’ vibrant cultural calendar. It’s a heartfelt celebration, a profound moment of reflection, and a joyous outpouring of gratitude, all woven into one significant event.

Founded in 1910 as the Naval Service of Canada and given Royal Sanction in 1911, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) was placed under the Department of National Defence in 1923, and amalgamated with the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army to form the unified Canadian Forces in 1968, after which it was known as "Maritime Command" until 2011.

One of history's most famous wartime poems, "In Flanders Fields" was written during the First World War by Canadian officer and surgeon John McCrae. It helped popularize the red poppy as a symbol of Remembrance.

What better way to spend the last day of May than to eat lobster.
Tickets are available from the office for the Maple Ridge Legion Lobster Fest.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary is a non-profit organization operated separate from The Royal Canadian Legion… but together they thrive.

The Ladies’ Auxiliary originated during the First World War when women were asked to help wounded Veterans returning home, and to provide supports for their families.

Veteran, John Vanderelst started volunteering at the Maple Ridge Legion in 2004 as a financial advisor to the Executive. Joined the Honour Guard and Colour Party in 2005, currently still part of the Honour Guard.

It's National Volunteer Week and we want to give a shout out to the 16, yes 16 volunteers that run our meat and 50/50 draws every week.

Our volunteers generally work two draws per month but this varies depending on who is available. Working as a team, each person has a specific duty depending on whether they are selling the 50/50 tickets, meat draw tickets or taking the cash.

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia, New Zealand and Tonga that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served".

May is right around the corner and we have a packed Legion Lounge schedule to share with our members. Here’s what you can expect……
Music & Dancing with live entertainment
Cards & Darts
Karaoke
Bingo
Meat & 50/50 draws

On 22-25 April 1951, Canadian troops fought a difficult battle in the hills above the Kapyong Valley.

In late April 1951, the retreating Chinese and North Korean forces regrouped and counter-attacked in the western and west-central sectors of the front.

The Battle of Vimy Ridge began on Easter morning 1917. Amid sleet, mud and shellfire, the soldiers of the Canadian Corps fought their way up the ridge to take the high ground overlooking the Douai plain.

The Canadian Air Force (CAF) officially became the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and a permanent component of Canada’s defence force on 01 April 1924.

Per ardua ad astra - Through adversity to the stars

Today we celebrate the founding of the RCAF

April is right around the corner and we have a packed Legion Lounge schedule to share with our members. Here’s what you can expect……
Music & Dancing with live entertainment ✔️
Cards & Darts ✔️

Many Legions use an external wall to present an act of Remembrance in the form of a mural. We would very much like to be one of those Legions too.

We previously posted about the review of draft artwork and now there's a mock up of what could adorn our east facing wall. It's in the Legion Lounge for Members to view.