Published on November 4, 2024 by Newsroom
Remembrance Day has been observed every year since 1919 in Canada. – Photo Adobe Stock
Observed every November 11, Remembrance Day in Canada honors the memory of soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives or their well-being during armed conflicts, particularly since the First World War.
In 1919, King George V established this day, initially called “Armistice Day”, to mark the end of the fighting at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. The event, which has become a national tradition, aims to maintain the memory and to promote peace through silent ceremonies and community gatherings.
The day was originally paired with Thanksgiving in the early 1920s, causing confusion among the public. In 1931, Canada moved Armistice Day to November 11 and renamed the event “Remembrance Day” to emphasize human sacrifice rather than the military aspects of the war.
Today, the day includes the wearing of the poppy in honor of the deceased, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields by John McCrae. The most important national ceremony is held in Ottawa, but local commemorations take place in several cities, such as Trois-Rivières or Nicolet.
Remembrance Day in Quebec
In Quebec, although Remembrance Day is not an official public holiday for everyone, it is still marked by ceremonies in schools, cenotaphs and various local monuments. For example, in Montreal, members of the Royal Canadian Legion organize a public ceremony every year.
Activities often include two minutes of silence at 11 a.m., the reading of memorial texts, and the performance of the “Last Post” played in honor of the fallen.
More than just a tribute to veterans, Remembrance Day reminds us of the horrors of war and the importance of maintaining peace. Over time, participation in the ceremonies has evolved, but since the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Second World War in 1995, a renewed interest has reinforced the importance of this day.
In addition to official events, educational activities in schools encourage younger generations to understand and preserve this collective memory.
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