What Is Remembrance Day in Canada?

By Remitbee - Nov 11, 2021

Freedom did not come free. In Canada, Remembrance Day, also called Armistice Day, marked the end of the First World War and reminded all those who served the nation.

On this day, Canadians take a moment to honour all those who came before us and helped build this great country - the heroic troops who fought for Canada!

Lives were lost, and countless of those who returned were forced to live with scars of war for the rest of their lives. Let's not forget them and the sacrifices they have made. It is November, and we are getting ready for Remembrance Day in Canada 2021!

History of Remembrance Day in Canada

When is Remembrance Day in Canada?

In Canada (except Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba), Remembrance Day is a statutory federal holiday. On November 11th, the 11th day of the 11th month, Remembrance Day marked the end of World War I in 1918.

The armistice or peace agreement between the allies and Germany was signed on November 11th at 11 a.m. in France.

Private George Lawrence Price of the 2nd Canadian Division was killed at Mons at 10.58 a.m. on November 11th, two minutes before they signed the peace agreement. He was the last Commonwealth soldier killed in World War One, according to official records.

Among the 54 Commonwealth member states, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia mark Remembrance Day on November 11th at 11 a.m. Many countries, such as France, Belgium, and Poland, celebrate on the same date and time.

Why do we celebrate Remembrance Day in Canada?

Canadians observe a two-minute moment of silence to honour the over 2 million Canadians who have served and continue to fight for their country in times of war, crisis, and peace.

Since the end of the First World War, Canadians and other Commonwealth members have observed Remembrance Day, remembering all those who have fought and died to keep us safe and free. Their sacrifice will be pointless if we do not remember.

What is the symbol of Remembrance Day in Canada?

The poppy is the Remembrance Day symbol, thanks to Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields."

The poppy became associated with Remembrance Day after the Canadian doctor and poet observed how quickly poppies grew over the graves of those who died during the Battle of Ypres.

Canadians wore actual poppies before, but nowadays, most people wear fake poppies, and their bright red colour has come to symbolize the bloodshed in war. There are also several war memorials across Canada to remember those who fought and died.

Ways To Remember And Celebrate Remembrance Day in Canada

We celebrate the freedom that they fought for by remembering the service and sacrifice of Canadians who served. We must keep this in mind.

1. Wear a poppy.

For around two weeks coming up to Remembrance Day in Canada, you'll see many people wearing poppies to show their support for the Canadian military and veterans. The poppy has been a tradition since the First World War. People can be found handing out poppies in grocery stores in exchange for donations to support our veterans.

2. Pay a visit to one of Canada's many military memorials.

  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Ottawa's National War Memorial
  • Nova Scotia's Halifax Memorial
  • British Columbia's Victoria Memorial

3. Send a letter or postcard to a veteran.

Through the Postcards for Peace e-card activity, you can write to members of the armed forces or veterans to express your gratitude for their service. From the Veterans Affairs Canada website, you can send one to a veteran or those still serving.

4. Fold peace cranes.

Fold a crane and display it to show your devotion to world peace. You can also mail it to the Peace Crane Project. The project's purpose is to gather 1,000 children's peace cranes and display them around the world. So far, they've received almost 600 cranes from Canada!

5. Recite John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields."

The poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae is a big part of Remembrance Day commemorations. This WWI poem reflects soldiers' sacrifices for the sake of freedom and safety.

6. At 11:00 a.m., pause for two minutes of silence to honour, reflect on and remember our soldiers.

7. Pay respect to a Veteran's grave in your local cemetery.

8. Share the message about Veterans' Week, Remembrance Day, and commemoration events. For example, this blog.

9. Donate to a veteran's charity.

Donating to veterans' philanthropies is one of the simplest ways to support soldiers on Remembrance Day. Money donations allow organizations to deliver necessary services to military personnel.

Here are some online veteran charities in Canada to support:

Hope this article gave you some insight into Canadian Remembrance day