The Royal Canadian Legion is dedicated to serving Canada’s veterans – but also to promoting a greater appreciation for and understanding of the sacrifices made by members of the country’s Armed Forces, peacekeepers and peace-makers, here and abroad.
To help build that appreciation and understanding across generations, the Legion holds an annual Remembrance Poster and Literary competition for school children.
Open to children in grades K through 12, students are invited to interpret Remembrance Day through essays, poetry and either colour or black and white posters. Age categories include Primary (K to Grade 3, limited to posters only), Junior (Grades 4-6), Intermediate (Grades 7-9), and Senior (Grades 10-12).
Laura Hollingshead-Dobbin is the Youth Education Chair at the Bradford Legion, Branch 521. She is currently reaching out to local schools and families, to encourage participation in the contest.
“Any student who lives in Bradford West Gwillimbury or attends a local school can enter,” she said, as well as kids enrolled in remote learning or home school programs.
Remembrance Day is November 11. The contest closes on Nov. 15, when entries will be picked up at the schools. Entries can also be dropped off directly at the Legion, 115 Back Street, by the 15th; a bin will be located at the side (parking lot) entrance. Judging takes place on Nov. 16.
Entries must include an application form. The form, contest details and examples of past contest winners are available by clicking here.
Judging begins at the Branch level. Winners will advance to the Zone competition – competing, in Zone E-2, against entries from a total of 9 Legion branches, from Woodbridge to Belle Ewart and Sutton.
Winners at the Zone level can advance to District and even National competition, earning certificates and cash awards, as well as recognition of their talent.
But the key focus, said Hollingshead-Dobbin, is about honouring veterans. “It’s about Remembrance.”
