Remembrance Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, marks the end of World War I and serves to commemorate all members of the Canadian Armed Forces from the past and present. On November 11th, 1918, at 11am, the armies stopped fighting and World War I came to an end for the United Kingdom. As a British colony, Canadians volunteered to fight alongside the British Forces in Europe. Hundreds of thousands chose to serve. This day consists of ceremonies, symbols, and prayers all in remembrance of those who served.
Remembrance Day was established in 1921 with the passing of the Armistice Bill. In 1931, the Canadian government renamed November 11 as Remembrance Day to emphasize the memory of fallen soldiers. It is observed annually on November 11th.
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.
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.
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)
Place a wreath at the grave of a deceased member of the military.
Wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
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.
Armistice Day seeks to remember those Canadians who lost their lives in war. This day serves as remembrance for those who fought and died in the line of duty during World War I. It also serves to thank those who continue to serve. According to No Stone Left Alone, more than 2 million Canadians have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war and peace. This day is a reminder of the armistice agreement that ended WW1 in 1918. Each year an official Canadian national ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. Replica poppies are typically worn as a symbol for the blood spilled during war.
Armistice Day was established in 1921 with the passing of the Armistice Bill. It is observed annually on November 11th.
This day remembers the more than 2 million Canadians who have served throughout its history and the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
A symbol worn on this day is the bright red poppy. It is a flower referenced in Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields. The bright red color is a symbol of the blood spilled in wars.
In 2019, about 65,000 poppies were placed by students in cemeteries across Canada.
Visit the national war memorial in Ottawa. On Armistice Day, the Governor General of Canada presides over a memorial ceremony along with the Prime Minister.
Attend or watch a march. Many marches are held in honor of those who served and in honor of those whose lives were lost in war.
Visit one of the national, local, or personal memorials across Canada.
www.nostoneleftalone.ca: Armistice Day
www.veterans.gc.ca: Facts about Remembrance Day