Every year on November 11, Canadians gather to celebrate Remembrance Day, a special day to honor the brave men and women who served and sacrificed during wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping missions. It's a time to reflect, show respect, and express gratitude for those who fought for our freedom and peace. But how did this important day begin? I’d like to take a look at the history of Remembrance Day, why it’s important in Canada, and some interesting facts about its traditions and symbols.
The History
Remembrance Day started at the end of World War I, which was also called the "Great War." On November 11, 1918, the Allied forces and Germany signed an agreement, called an armistice, to stop the fighting on the Western Front. The war had been terrible, and this ceasefire brought hope after four years of hard battles. People were ready for peace, and November 11 became known as Armistice Day in many countries.
Canada, like other countries in the Commonwealth, lost thousands of soldiers in the war. To honor their bravery and sacrifice, the government made November 11 officially Armistice Day in 1919. Then in 1931, the name was changed to Remembrance Day to honor not just the soldiers from World War I, but also those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and other peacekeeping missions.
The Poppy
One of the most well-known symbols of Remembrance Day is the poppy. The tradition of wearing poppies started with the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields," written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian doctor who served in World War I. The poem talks about the red poppies that grew on the battlefields of Flanders in Belgium, where many soldiers lost their lives.
"In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae:
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.
Reading this on Remembrance Day can bring up strong feelings for soldiers and families who have lost loved ones. For soldiers, it may remind them of their own experiences, the friendships they made, and the sadness of knowing some didn’t make it home. The image of poppies growing between graves is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made. For families, it’s both a way to honor their loved ones and a reminder of their loss. The poem helps us remember that their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered.
McCrae’s poem touched people around the world, and the poppy became a symbol of remembrance. In 1921, the Royal British Legion chose the poppy to honour fallen soldiers, and soon after, the tradition spread to Canada and other countries. Canadians wear poppies in the weeks before Remembrance Day to pay tribute to those who died and to support veterans.
Sadly, not as many people today seem to think deeply about what "In Flanders Fields" or Remembrance Day really mean. For some, it's just a tradition or a quick break in their busy day. Younger generations, who haven’t lived through war, may feel less connected to it. But for those who do stop and reflect, like soldiers and their families, the meaning is still strong. The challenge is to help more people remember why this day is important, so the stories of courage and sacrifice are never lost.
Silence
One of the most meaningful parts of Remembrance Day is the two minutes of silence held at 11:00 a.m. on November 11. This silence marks the exact time the armistice was signed in 1918 to end World War I. It's a moment to think about the sacrifices soldiers made and to honor their bravery.
The idea of a moment of silence started with King George V in 1919. At first, it was just one minute, but it was later changed to two minutes to give people more time to reflect. Before the silence, you often hear the "Last Post," a bugle call that signals the end of the day and symbolizes the end of a soldier's life.
While Remembrance Day is a time for reflection, there are also some lesser-known facts about the day and its traditions:
The Poppy Design Has Changed Over Time
The first poppies worn in Canada were made of silk. Over time, they changed to the red and black felt poppies we see today. Poppies are made in different places around the world, including at a veterans' facility in Montreal, where disabled veterans help make millions of poppies each year.
Almost a Holiday
In the early years, Remembrance Day wasn’t a public holiday in all of Canada. It wasn’t until 1970 that most provinces started recognizing it as a holiday. However, in Ontario, it is still not a statutory holiday, but many schools and workplaces still mark the day with ceremonies and moments of silence.
The Unknown Soldier
Canada has a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, at the National War Memorial. The tomb holds the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from World War I. It represents all Canadian soldiers who have died in service but whose bodies were never identified.
The Silver Cross Mother
Every year, a special honor is given to a Silver Cross Mother, a Canadian mother who has lost a child in military service. This mother places a wreath at the National War Memorial to represent all mothers who have lost children in war. This tradition shows how war affects families, especially mothers.
The White Poppy
While the red poppy is the main symbol of remembrance, some people wear a white poppy to focus on peace. The white poppy stands for a commitment to peace and a wish for a world without war. However, it has been controversial because some believe it takes away from honoring the sacrifices of those who fought in wars.
Traditions Across Canada
On Remembrance Day, Canadians come together for ceremonies, big and small, to honor veterans. The National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa is the largest, with thousands attending, including government officials, military personnel, and veterans. It’s broadcast live across Canada, so everyone can join in the moment of silence and reflection.
Many local communities also hold their own Remembrance Day events at cenotaphs, which are monuments for soldiers who died in wars. People gather to lay wreaths, observe silence, and read the names of those who gave their lives.
Schools play a big part in keeping the spirit of Remembrance Day alive too. In the weeks before November 11, students learn about the importance of the day through stories, poems, and history lessons. Many schools hold ceremonies where students wear poppies, sing songs, and observe moments of silence. It’s inspiring to see how this day brings communities and generations together—it's an important part of honoring our history!
Honoring Veterans
While November 11 is a special day to honor veterans, supporting military families and veterans goes beyond just this day. Throughout the year, Canadians take part in events and initiatives that help veterans, like donating to the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Fund. This fund provides financial help, medical care, and housing support for veterans in need.
There are also programs to help veterans adjust to civilian life after their service. These programs offer job training, mental health services, and community support to ensure veterans get the assistance they need after leaving the military.
Whether through attending a ceremony, wearing a poppy, or simply taking a moment to reflect, this day reminds us of the profound impact that war has on individuals, families, and nations.
On Remembrance Day, we take a moment to thank those who gave so much for our freedom.
Let’s remember their courage and carry it with us, honouring them not only on November 11 but in how we live every day and hope for a world where sacrifices like these remain in the past.