Memorial Day

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, particularly those who fought to protect and preserve our freedom. It is a time to remember, honour, and respect the many brave souls who fought valiantly and made the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the courage, resilience, and dedication exhibited by these fallen heroes, as well as their lasting impact on future generations.

The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the First World War, during which, Newfoundland and Labrador suffered considerable losses with a significant impact on the community. On this Memorial Day, Canadians pause to remember the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces of Newfoundland and Labrador. Given the intertwined histories and shared values between Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadians acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices made by their neighbours; contributions that have shaped the foundation of both provinces.

In Canada, Memorial Day is commemorated with various activities to honour the fallen. These include ceremonies at war memorials, speeches, and wreath-laying events, as well as prayers and moments of silence. While Memorial Day is marked on July 1st in Newfoundland and Labrador, in other parts of the country, the day is recognized during national observances such as Remembrance Day on November 11th. As Canadians gather to remember these courageous individuals, they pay their respects and express gratitude for the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and peace.

Top 10 Facts for Memorial Day in 2026

• Memorial Day in Newfoundland and Labrador serves as a solemn day of reflection, specifically commemorating the massive losses sustained by the 1st Newfoundland Regiment at the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel during the First World War.
• The observance originates from July 1, 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, when nearly the entire regiment—approximately 800 soldiers—was killed or wounded in a single, devastating infantry assault.
• While July 1 is celebrated across the rest of Canada as Canada Day, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador maintains a dual tradition, honoring the memory of its war dead in the morning while often transitioning to national celebrations in the afternoon.
• The tradition of marking this day began on July 1, 1917, just one year after the tragic events at Beaumont-Hamel, and it has remained an annual act of remembrance for over a century.
• Memorial Day is an official public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, meaning many government offices, schools, and businesses are closed, allowing citizens to participate in local memorial services.
• Ceremonies typically feature the lowering of the Union Jack to half-mast at public buildings and wreath-laying events at various cenotaphs, most notably at the National War Memorial in St. John's.
• The National War Memorial in St. John's is a site of particular significance, as it now serves as the permanent resting place for an Unknown Newfoundland First World War Soldier, whose remains were repatriated from France in 2024.
• This day is distinct from the national Remembrance Day observed on November 11; it functions as a unique regional observance that highlights the province's history as a former Dominion of the British Empire that joined Confederation in 1949.
• Many local events include formal parades led by the Royal Canadian Legion, where veterans, dignitaries, and members of the public gather to pay tribute to the 'Blue Puttees,' a nickname for the soldiers of the Newfoundland Regiment.
• The memorial practices draw inspiration from enduring works of remembrance, including the iconic poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae, which often informs the tone and cultural importance of the commemorative activities throughout the province.

In the News and Trending for Memorial Day

Top things to do for Memorial Day

• Visit the caribou monument at Bowring Park in St. John's. The monument pays respect and honours those of the Newfoundland regiment who lost their lives.
• Visit the caribou monument at Beaumont Hamel Park in France. The monument pays respect and honours those fallen soldiers of the Newfoundland regiment. Their names are engraved on it for all to see and remember.
• Watch a historical documentary about the Battle of the Somme to learn more about the tragic conflict.
• If you are in Ottawa in late May, the Canadian Tulip Festival is one of the largest tulip displays in the world and very popular with locals and tourists.