Every year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. Known as Remembrance Day, this solemn occasion honours the sacrifices made by those who defended freedom and peace, often at great personal cost.
Origins of Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day has its roots in the end of the First World War. On November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the guns fell silent across Europe as the Armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany, marking the end of four years of devastating conflict. More than 66,000 Canadians lost their lives during that war, and over 170,000 were wounded.
In 1919, the first Armistice Day was observed across the British Commonwealth to commemorate that moment of peace. In Canada, the day originally honoured those who fought in the First World War, but over time it expanded to recognize veterans of the Second World War, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and Canada’s peacekeeping missions around the world.
In 1931, the Canadian Parliament officially renamed the occasion Remembrance Day and fixed the date permanently on November 11.
Symbols of Remembrance
Perhaps the most recognized symbol of Remembrance Day is the red poppy. The poppy became a symbol of remembrance after the publication of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written in 1915 after he witnessed the devastation of war in Belgium.
The poem’s imagery of poppies growing among soldiers’ graves inspired the Royal Canadian Legion to adopt the flower as a symbol of remembrance. Each year, millions of Canadians wear a poppy in the days leading up to November 11 as a sign of respect and gratitude.
How Canadians Observe Remembrance Day
Across the country, Remembrance Day ceremonies are held in communities, schools, and workplaces. The most notable is the National Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by veterans, active service members, government officials, and the public.
At 11 a.m., Canadians observe two minutes of silence—a moment to reflect on the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who have worn the uniform. The Last Post is played, wreaths are laid, and the refrain “Lest We Forget” echoes across the nation.
Why It Matters Today
Remembrance Day is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to remember the human cost of war and the enduring value of peace. It encourages Canadians to honour not only those who served in past conflicts but also those who continue to protect and serve today.
In remembering, we commit ourselves to the lessons of the past and to building a world where such sacrifices are never again required.
Lest We Forget
As time passes and living memories of the world wars fade, the importance of remembrance only grows. November 11 is not just about history—it’s about gratitude, reflection, and responsibility. It reminds us that freedom is not free, and that the peace we enjoy today was built by the bravery and sacrifice of those who came before.
Lest we forget.
