On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month Canadians pause to remember the fallen and reflect on wars past.
Remembrance Day is observed with quiet dignity across Canada. The day honors those who served and sacrificed, and the moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. is a shared ritual that invites reflection on the costs of armed conflict. The tradition began after the end of the First World War and has continued since 1919, when the armistice and the Treaty of Versailles signified a formal close to the conflict. Communities, schools, workplaces, and public spaces come together in this moment of remembrance.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Most people wear a poppy in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day. The red flower has become a lasting symbol tied to the memory of battles on the fields of Flanders in Belgium, where some of the war’s fiercest fighting occurred. The poppy’s bright color and delicate resilience convey a message of sacrifice and hope that endures year after year.
- The Royal Canadian Legion advises that poppies be worn on the left lapel, as close to the heart as possible. This simple act is echoed in ceremonies, parades, and school events across the country, serving as a visible sign of respect for those who served.
- Remembrance Day is observed in all Commonwealth countries. November 11 is also Veterans Day in the United States, a day dedicated to honoring those who served in the armed forces.
- The poppy’s rise as a symbol of remembrance comes from a famous war poem about Flanders Field. The verses captured the memories of battle and helped the poppy become a lasting emblem of reflection and tribute.