• Gold Badge  

• National Life Membership  

• National Certificate of Appreciation  

Unlike the National Awards these awards can be applied for nearly all year round and are not all presented at Annual Conference.  The prerequisites for nominating and receiving one of the awards is laid out in the newly updated Membership Management Handbook. To be considered for a national award, a person must have already been awarded a County or Branch Certificate of Appreciation. National awards are decided by the National Chairman.    

1. National Certificate of Appreciation – is the highest honour. It may be awarded to a member who has made a conspicuous contribution to the Legion for at least 12 years. Certificates are presented at Annual Conference and are accompanied by a lapel badge inscribed ‘For Merit’.   

2. Life Membership – is awarded to a member who has given at least 10 years meritorious and conspicuous service to the objectives of the Legion as defined by the Royal Charter. This member usually holds the Legion Gold Badge. The recipient remains a member without having to pay a membership fee for the rest of his or her life. When Life Membership is approved, a certificate is sent to the member, together with a Life Membership card and badge.   

3. Gold Badge – may be awarded to a member who has given at least eight years meritorious and conspicuous service to the objectives of the Legion as defined by the Royal Charter. Following the National Chairman’s approval, the Branch or County proposing the award must meet the cost of the badge. When the recipient passes away, the badge becomes the property of the next of kin, who may retain it or return it to the Branch.