FACT
The Legion shares a Comradeship with all its members and the Community!

It would be next to impossible to find any segment of our society that has not been helped or assisted through the voluntary support of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The emphasis has been to assist Veterans with difficulties and others in need; the elderly and the youth in our Community.

MYTH
Fraternal Affiliate members are restricted from important responsibilities.

FACT
Fraternal Affiliated members currently
     (1) Do service work in the area of Welfare.
     (2) Work on Remembrance Day-by assisting in poppy distribution.
     (3) Participate in Branch social activities, community activities, committee work, sports programs, youth activities, organization and administration, transportation and so much more!

MYTH
The Legion is locked into the past.

FACT
Todays members are very much aware of the changes around them and are changing with the times. There is a strong committment for change and renewal for this Millennium!

MYTH
Membership is expensive.

FACT
Each Branch has its own membership fee schedule.
We are governed only by the per capita tax levied by the Legion Dominion Command which is now $17.60 per year. The current annual membership fee for Lacombe Branch #79 is $35.00. This includes a very informative magazine.
A Membership Card entitles you to visit other Legion Branches throughout Canada and 'Legion Posts' in the United States of America!

MYTH
Legions are dark, smoke-filled rooms for only those who enjoy the pleasures of a liquor lounge.

FACT
Legion Branches are bright and air conditioned (or well ventilated) as you would expect in other private and public facilities. Smoking is permitted.

MYTH
The revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages is an important source of revenue for the Legion.

FACT
This revenue is of little consequence to the Legion.

Funds for Branch operations and charitable purposes are raised through member participation in Legion and Community activities. In-house events such as 'B-I-N-G-O and the sale of "pull-tickets" are included in fund raising endeavours.

Each year Legion Branches in the Alberta / NWT Command donate several million dollars to charitable organizations. Much more than any other service club or organization.

MYTH
Only old people belong the the Legion!

FACT
Since incorporation in 1926 the Legion membership has changed dramatically.

The Legions throughout Canada have many members with young families. They are taking an active role in their Community through the facilities the Legion provides. Members with ages of 30, 40 and 50 years are accepting top administrative responsibilities.

MYTH
The Legion is open only to ex-military personnel.

FACT
Persons with military and RCMP service join as Ordinary Members.
Anyone who supports the aims and objectives of the Legion, without a military association, may join as a Fraternal Affiliate. After 0ne year of membership they are eligible to become an Associate Member.
Spouses, children, grandchildren and cadets are also eligible to be voting members and contribute their skills for the good of the Community.

MYTH
There is nothing to do in the Legion.

FACT
Most Branches have:
- dances
- barbecues
- picnics
- Special Event Nights
                     plus there are recreational facilities such as
- shuffleboard
- darts
- pool table
- card parties and tournaments and
- much more.

- Bring your own ideas for consideration by the Executive Committee!

MYTH
You need to wear a Legion uniform.

FACT
Legion dress is optional and not a requirement!
Executive Branch members are requested to wear Legion dress on formal occasions.

MYTH
Legion members sit around and tell war stories.

FACT
The biggest myth of all!

Most Veterans prefer to forget their involvement in conflicts.
Telling war stories may only happen on Remembrance Day.

MYTH
Some Legion Branches are hypocrites because they do not allow hats in their facilities.

FACT
The removal of hats is a visible sign of respect to the memory of those who protected the freedom we enjoy today.

This humble act is a custom and tradition established years ago to remind us of courtesies to others.
The decision to remove headdress is made by the individual Branch.