The Importance of Canada Remembrance Day
November 11 is an important holiday in Canada and brings together many thoughts of lives lived and lives lost. The day is set aside to commemorate all those who serve and have served the armed forces since the end of World War 1.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, marks the day World War 1 ended on the 11th hour, 11th day, and 11th month. Hundreds of people sacrificed their lives for the country they call their home. On this day, the Canadians pay tribute not only to those who died on the frontlines of war but also to serve the home front. It is also to honor those people who continue to live with the physical and emotional scars of the war.
There were countless acts of heroism during the war. People show respect to all the martyrs through parades, poppies, visiting cemeteries, cenotaphs, and national monuments. Canadians observe a moment of silence and reflect on the sacrifice of soldiers with gratitude and ease.
10 Facts About Canada Remembrance Day
Canadians proudly fly the maple leaf, remembering everyone who has served and continues to serve their country. Brush up your history with these ten facts about Remembrance Day:
Initially known as ‘Armistice Day, it is celebrated to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.
Poppies are worn from the last Friday of October until November 11. The fund collected from the ‘Poppies Campaign assists military veterans in need.
The poppy tradition began when red flowers began growing on the graves of soldiers.
The National Remembrance Day Ceremony is hosted at the National War Memorial in Ottawa and is led by the Governor General.
This day is celebrated as a statutory holiday in most Canadian provinces.
The National Silver Cross Mother represents all mothers whose sons and mothers died while on active duty.
Canadian citizens observe a moment of complete silence at 11:00 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month.
The Canadian military has actively participated in both World Wars, Korean Wars, and the South African Wars, among others.
Earlier Remembrance Day coincided with Thanksgiving Day. However, in 1931 Thanksgiving was moved to a different date.
John McRae’s poem, ‘In Flanders Fields,’ has become synonymous with Remembrance Day and is often recited at several memorial ceremonies.
In Flanders Fields: A Memorial Poem
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.
Memorials across Canada
Many memorial monuments, historical sites, gardens, cenotaphs, etc., were erected across the country to pay tribute to the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada during war, conflict, and peace. Remembrance Day ceremonies vary across the country. Some activities include a veterans parade, singing choirs, 21 gun salutes, bagpipes, and drums, and laying poppies and wreaths, among others. Canada gathers to thank the soldiers for protecting the country’s freedom and democracy.