Unique 800-year-old ceremony marking Parksville Legion’s 100th anniversary

The ceremony originates with travelling armies looking to navigate through walled cities who were afraid of marauders.

After discussions between an army’s commander and the leader of the city, trusted units would be granted their freedom and allowed to pass through.

Wilkins said the earliest recorded ceremony in Canada was in New Brunswick in 1804, while Saturday’s events will mark just the sixth time in B.C. the honour has been bestowed upon a Legion.

Following the laying of wreaths at the neighbouring Cenotaph, the parade will move down Craig St., onto Hirst Ave., crossing the Alberni Hwy. back to the Legion’s location.

The Legion’s Hirst Ave. W location has been home since the late 1940s, and has been added onto over the years. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

It’s a spot they’ve called home since 1949, Wilkins said, after starting in Errington in 1926.

Unlike a lot of similar organizations across the country, membership is strong for the Oceanside branch, thanks in large part to a big influx this year.

“Our membership went from around 320, we’re now at 829. The national body said they need a kickstart, they said free membership for 2026. I really hope that [new members] move into [permanent, paid membership], beacuse some of them have already bought their 2027 membership dues. There are a lot of Legions that are having some challenges, but we’re still in the black.”

In addition to a community gathering space, including a rentable hall and a lounge area, Wilkins said the Legion is supportive of a variety of different groups and organizations.

Donations, bursaries, and other initiatives typically total between $45,000 and $48,000 per year.

“We support Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, we give to them every year because they have a veterans wing, and we use our Poppy money to support them. Our loan cupboard that’s open every day of the week…it’s free, and we have wheelchairs, walkers, you name it, we’ve got it back there.”

Continued success for the century-old organization hinges on the next generation taking over operations.

It’s an area many Legions have struggled with, and one Wilkins is acutely aware of.

“It’s very slow, but it’s a very important task that we are now engaged in, bringing up younger people. Older people like me aren’t going to be around, and we need some young people with different ideas but still keep within our bounds and our traditions. There’s so much that can be done.”

The public is invited to attend Saturday’s parade and ceremony in the city’s downtown, with the parade portion expected to wrap by 10:30 a.m., before speeches and other events at the Legion hall after.

To support the parade, the City of Parksville will have temporary road closures in place, primarily along Craig St. and Hirst Ave. West.

“Residents and visitors are welcome to watch the parade as it makes its way to the Legion,” the City noted in a statement. “Once the parade has completed, the public is welcome to join participants and other dignitaries to honour and celebrate the veterans in our community.”

The Legion is not only a community gathering place, but also hosts a number of outreach programs including a loan cupboard with various medical and other assistance devices available. (Image Credit: Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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by Alex Rawnsley

Unique 800-year-old ceremony marking Parksville Legion’s 100th anniversary

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