Since the end of the First World War, Canadians and other Commonwealth countries have set aside November 11 to honor the sacrifices made by military personnel. More than two million Canadians have served, or are currently serving their country in war, crisis, or peace.
Every year on November 11, Canadians pauses for a moment of silence to remember and honor them. Remembering them gives purpose to their death while forgetting them makes it meaningless.
What is the History of Remembrance Day?
The conclusion of World War I was formally declared on November 11, 1918 and this date is commemorated annually as Remembrance Day. Canadians fought on the side of the Allies in Europe during World War I. This global struggle was fought on every continent.
Countless civilian and military lives were lost in World War I. Another large number of people were injured severely. Those who served in the military and those whose sons, brothers, dads, uncles, and grandfathers were killed all suffered emotionally from the conflict. All those who have lost their lives in wars are honored on Remembrance Day, especially those who have lost their lives in battles since World War I.
The 11th of November is commemorated as Remembrance Day in Canada, although it is also known as Armistice Day and Poppy Day. Australians and Kiwis aren't the only ones who observe Remembrance Day; it's a holiday celebrated worldwide. It is also the date when the United States observes Veterans Day. Remembrance Sunday is celebrated in the United Kingdom annually on the Sunday closest to November 11.
How Do Canadians Celebrate Remembrance Day?
Numerous people put artificial poppies on their outfits in the weeks preceding Remembrance Day. Red poppies signify the memories of those who perished while white poppies rally for non-military initiatives in conflict situations. On November 11, special religious services are scheduled. These generally involve playing "The Last Post", a recitation of the fourth verse of the 'Ode of Remembrance' and two minutes of quiet at 11:00 (or 11 am). After the service, flowers are laid at local military memorials.
There is a stringent protocol for holding formal Canadian national ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario. Those involved in the military forces attend a ceremony and lay wreaths. The remains of a Canadian soldier who died in France during World War I but was never recognized were interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in May of 2000.
People have left flowers, letters, and photos at the tomb ever since. All around Canada, people can take part in services like these and events of a similar nature. If they are open, some schools use Remembrance Day to hold memorial services, classes, and presentations honoring those who have fallen in war.
What Are the Remembrance Day Symbols?
People wear and plant artificial poppies at military memorials to commemorate Remembrance Day. Poppies can be worn or used to decorate spaces as single flowers or clusters. Canadian military doctor and poet John McCrae is responsible for popularizing the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. In Flanders Fields, the poem's title speaks about the poppies that bloom in Flemish cemeteries.
Remembrance Day is also represented by war memorials, which can be found in and around the heart of most communities. These honor residents who gave their lives while serving their country. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, Ontario, is one such memorial. The military parades also represent Remembrance Day on November 11.