Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day History

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by the armed forces and their role in maintaining peace and freedom. Observed in many countries around the world, it is a day to reflect on the courage and selflessness of those men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military. This observance also allows younger generations to gain an understanding of the significance of their service, and the impact it has had on the course of history.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is notably important, as it is not only used to honor the Canadian Armed Forces but also to strengthen national unity and identity. The observance in Canada dates back to November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Since then, Canadians have remembered their servicemen and women who fought in the World Wars, the Korean War, and other conflicts, as well as peacekeeping missions, reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability.

To observe Remembrance Day in Canada, various ceremonies take place across the country, typically featuring the laying of wreaths, parades, moments of silence, and the playing of the "Last Post". The national ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. Canadians also traditionally wear red poppies, as symbols of remembrance, in the weeks leading up to November 11. On this day, the nation collectively remembers and honors the sacrifices made by its armed forces in pursuit of peace and freedom.

Top facts & quotes about Remembrance Day

• The Poppy is a common symbol of remembrance for those who died in the pursuit of freedom. People wear this poppy as a pin on their left breasts in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day.
• In many commonwealth areas a night vigil is held in remembrance of the fallen. Members of the armed forces keep watch over a ritualistic tomb site.
• By the end of World War I, approximately 61,000 Canadians were killed and another 172,000 were injured. This was a significant loss for a country with a population of nearly 8 million.
• A popular war memorial poem recited by students on this day is John McCrae’s, In Flanders Fields. Written during World War I, it considers the sacrifices of the dead.
• They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation — the obligation to insure that their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live. - Chester W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral WW2
• We are dead, short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders Fields. - Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae (1915)

In the News and Trending in Canada for Remembrance Day

Top things to do for Remembrance Day in Canada

• Place a wreath at the grave of a deceased member of the military.
• Wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
• Watch Canada’s Hundred Days (2018). This documentary presents the final 100 days of the First World War from a Canadian perspective.
• Watch a movie about the First World War. Here are our suggestions:
  War Horse (2011)
  Admiral (2008)
  The Great War (2007)
• Visit Canada's National War Memorial at Confederation Square in Ottawa.
• Read the poem, In Flanders Fields, by Canadian physician John McCrae.