Remembrance Day: Honouring the Courage, Sacrifice, and Legacy of Those Who Served

Every year on November 11th, Canadians pause for a moment of silence to honour the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.

At 11:00 a.m., we stop what we’re doing and remember the exact moment when the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918, marking the end of the First World War.

Remembrance Day is not just about remembering history—it’s about appreciating the peace and freedoms we enjoy today, and acknowledging the tremendous sacrifices that made them possible.

🇨🇦 The History of Remembrance Day in Canada

The first Remembrance Day was held in 1919, one year after the end of the First World War. It was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the armistice agreement signed on November 11, 1918, between the Allies and Germany.

In 1921, the Canadian Parliament passed the Armistice Day Act, combining Armistice Day with Thanksgiving and observing it on the Monday of the week in which November 11 fell. However, this date proved confusing and disconnected from the true spirit of remembrance.

In 1931, Member of Parliament Allan Neill introduced a bill to move the observance back to November 11 and rename it Remembrance Day. Parliament agreed, and since then, Canadians have observed it on November 11 every year.

While the day was first intended to honour those who served in the First World War, it now recognizes all Canadians who have served in every conflict since.

🌺 The Symbol of the Poppy

The red poppy has become the universal symbol of remembrance. It was inspired by the resilience of the poppy flowers that grew on the battlefields of Belgium and northern France, even amid the devastation of war.

The symbol was made famous by the poem In Flanders Fields, written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae in 1915. After witnessing the loss of a close friend during the Second Battle of Ypres, McCrae was moved by the sight of poppies growing between soldiers’ graves—and penned the words that have endured for generations.

✒️ In Flanders Fields

By Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae (1915)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

This haunting and powerful poem became one of the most famous literary pieces of the First World War and helped inspire the poppy as a lasting emblem of remembrance.

🎖️ Traditions and Observances

Across Canada, Remembrance Day ceremonies are held at cenotaphs, war memorials, schools, and community halls. The National Remembrance Day Ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by veterans, serving military members, government officials, and thousands of Canadians.

Common traditions include:

• Wearing a poppy on the left lapel, close to the heart

• Two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. to honour fallen soldiers

• Wreath-laying ceremonies by veterans, families, and dignitaries

• The playing of “The Last Post”, followed by “Reveille”

• The reading of poems and names of those who gave their lives

Many Canadians also participate in classroom lessons, watch documentaries, or visit war museums and memorials to reflect on Canada’s military history.

💬 Why Remembrance Day Still Matters

More than 2.3 million Canadians have served in uniform since Confederation, and over 118,000 have died in service.

Remembrance Day is not only about honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice - it’s about recognizing the ongoing contributions of veterans, peacekeepers, and active service members.

It’s also a time to reflect on the cost of war, the value of peace, and the importance of understanding our history.

As generations pass, the responsibility to remember grows stronger. The freedoms we enjoy today are built upon the courage and selflessness of those who came before us.

🌹 How You Can Honour Remembrance Day

Even simple acts of remembrance carry meaning. Here are a few ways to participate:

• Wear a red poppy from the last Friday of October until November 11.

• Observe the two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. on November 11.

• Attend or watch a ceremony—in person or virtually.

• Talk with veterans and thank them for their service.

• Teach younger generations about the importance of remembrance.

• Support veterans’ organizations, such as the Royal Canadian Legion.

🕊️ A Moment to Reflect

Remembrance Day is not about glorifying war, it’s about recognizing the deep human cost of conflict and the value of peace. It’s a time to come together as a nation to honour courage, compassion, and sacrifice.

So on November 11th, take a moment whether in silence, reflection, or conversation to remember those who gave everything, and to carry their torch forward.

Lest we forget.

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