Royal Canadian Military Institute

Royal Canadian Military Institute

Royal Canadian Military Institute As it appeared in 2008
Abbreviation	RCMI
Motto	"Fidelis Per Manere" (Latin) "To remain faithful"
Formation	1890
Type	Organizations based in Canada with royal patronage
Legal status	active
Purpose	public educator and networking in defence studies
Headquarters	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Region served	Canada
Official language	English, French
Website	http://www.rcmi.org

The Royal Canadian Military Institute (RCMI), located in Toronto, Ontario, is a private members’ organization. The Royal Canadian Military Institute was founded as the Canadian Military Institute on January 14, 1890. General Sir William Dillon Otter set the founding principles "to provide in an Institute for the defence forces of Canada a Library, museum and club for the purposes of the promotion of military art, science and literature, to gather and preserve the records of the defence forces, and develop its specialized field in Canadian history." The motto of the RCMI is "Fidelis Per Manere" (Latin) for "To remain faithful".

The original building was built in 1907. Designed by William Craven Vaux Chadwick, the library was built in 1908. The headquarters was expanded in 1912; expanded in 1935; and renovated in 1960s. In 2007, the facade on 426 University Avenue was reconstructed by E R A Kubaneck Architects according to archeological records. Governor General David Johnston laid the cornerstone on June 9, 2012 for a 42 story, 315 suite condominium residence, lofts, and mixed use project.

The Colonel in Chief of the RCMI is Princess Alexandra, The Honourable Lady Ogilvy.

The RCMI is supported by fees, donations, and the volunteer services of private members.

The RCMI provides a forum to promote education on defence, security and foreign affairs in a unique collegial environment. The RCMI intends to become recognized as the pre-eminent Canadian forum for discussion, research and education on defence, security and foreign affairs. The RCMI seeks to promote the study of military strategy, arts, and literature. The RCMI seeks to promote pride in a strong, unified and independent Canada by enhancing public understanding of political and military history.

The RCMI outreach to the public consists of a speakers program, educational conferences, seminars, open forums and events. The RCMI events include Batoche dinners, guest speakers, xmas parties, reserve force and regimental dinners. Regular lectures on aspects of Canadian military history, international affairs, and military strategy are held, often as part of the Institute’s Military History Nights and Defence Studies Committee Roundtables and Luncheons.

RCMI prepares and publishes original papers, studies and journals related to military and strategic issues, foreign affairs, and artefacts: the 'RCMI Commentary', 'Sitrep', 'The General Sir William Otter Papers', and 'Heritage Papers'. The RCMI has also published annual yearbooks.