The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8 in Rocky Mountain House will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special performance of Jake’s Gift on Oct. 1.

The play follows the journey of a Canadian Second World War veteran who travels back to Normandy to find his brother’s grave.

Julia Mackey, who wrote the play two decades ago, says she was inspired to write it after visiting the beaches of Normandy herself on the 60th anniversary of D-Day.

Over the years, Mackey says the play has conjured up many different emotions among audience members during its 65-minute running time — including some that are unexpected.

“There are some pockets of unexpected laughter,” she says, including a character who is somewhat “obsessed” with returning Canadian soldiers.

Ultimately, she says the play is a love letter of thanks to Canada’s veterans.

In its 20-year history, Jake’s Gift has been staged in all 10 provinces, two territories, England, the United States and at Normandy itself.

The play was first performed in Rocky Mountain House in 2018, and the troupe says it’s excited to be back in Alberta.

Mackey says this will mark the play’s 19th year on tour.

“I wrote the play 20 years ago, and at the time [partner and director Dirk Van Stralen] and I thought we’d maybe do a couple weeks touring the Fringe,” she says, adding that the play has since taken on a life of its own in both its popularity and evocation of Canadian patriotism.

After the show, Jake’s Gift button packages will be available, with all proceeds going to local legions in Canada. Since the button campaign started in 2010, it has raised more than $60,000.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the Royal Canadian Legion in Rocky Mountain House or online.

The show is Thursday Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion. Doors open at 5 p.m.