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Remembrance Day in Canada: The History of the November 11th Holiday

What is Remembrance Day in Canada?

Remembrance Day is commemorated on November 11th across Canada and other Commonwealth nations to honour the sacrifices of military members who lost their lives in the service of their country, particularly during times of war.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this solemn occasion marked the end of World War I when the Armistice agreement between the Allies and Germany came into effect at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.

Now formally known as Remembrance Day since 1931, this day of tribute remembers all Canadians who died in military service through ceremonies, memorials, moments of silence, and wearing poppy pins to symbolize remembrance.

Major national commemorations are held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by government officials, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Legion representatives, and the Silver Cross Mother. These ceremonies are also broadcast nationally on television and radio to spread awareness.

At the community level, large and small ceremonies are held at cenotaphs and war memorials across the country. These allow citizens to unite and honour those who sacrificed to defend Canada’s freedom and values.

Source: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/remembrance-day

When Did Remembrance Day Start in Canada?

Prior to the massive casualties experienced in World War I, Canadians honoured fallen soldiers through two earlier traditions – Decoration Day and Paardeberg Day.

Decoration Day originated from the protests of veterans who fought at the Battle of Ridgeway against the Fenians in 1866. Though much of the country has forgotten this battle, it represented the sacrifices of one of Canada’s earliest groups of soldiers.

Starting in 1890, on June 2nd each year, veterans would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades. This act of remembrance soon expanded to include soldiers who died in other 19th-century conflicts.

Paardeberg Day commemorated the anniversary of a key Canadian victory on February 27, 1900, during the South African War. People would gather around memorials erected in honour of those who served, though it was seen more as a celebration of imperial triumph than solemn remembrance.

However, World War I, which raged from 1914 to 1918, took a horrific toll on human life that forever changed the way people thought about war remembrance. With over 61,000 Canadians losing their lives, celebration was replaced by somber reflection and commemoration.

Armistice Day began in 1919 to mark the end of the Great War on November 11th. Initially, it was held on the Monday of the week of November 11th as mandated by a 1921 Act of Parliament.

However, a decade later, a push was made to fix the date permanently on November 11th and shift the focus towards commemorating veterans’ sacrifices rather than celebrating victory in war. This change also brought about the renaming of the day to Remembrance Day in 1931.

Over time, Remembrance Day evolved to honour those who served in the Second World War from 1939 to 1945, the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, the Afghanistan War from 2001 to 2014, various peacekeeping missions, and other military engagements both past and present.

Today, Remembrance Day commemorates the contributions and sacrifices of all Canadian military personnel who lost their lives in the defence of freedom and democracy across over a century of conflicts.

Why Do Canadians Wear Poppies on Remembrance Day?

The red poppy has become an iconic symbol of remembrance worn by millions of Canadians in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11th.

This tradition has its origins on the battlefields of Flanders in Belgium and northern France during World War I, where a vibrant red wildflower known as the corn poppy grew in great numbers.

So much blood was shed during the heavy fighting that tore up the landscape that the poppies eventually sprang up from the enriched soil as a haunting reminder of the human cost of war.

In 1918, an American professor named Moina Michael was inspired by the reference to poppies in the famous poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae to adopt the red poppy as a memorial emblem. She pledged to always wear a red poppy moving forward to keep the faith with those who died in battle.

By 1921, veterans’ groups in Canada were distributing and wearing poppies for the first Poppy Day to raise funds for veterans in need. This was coordinated by the Great War Veterans Association, which eventually became the Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion has faithfully organized the annual Poppy Campaign ever since, leading up to Remembrance Day.

For millions of Canadians, wearing the lapel poppy is a simple yet powerful way to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service and remember their contribution to securing the freedoms enjoyed today. The bright red of the poppy provides a vibrant symbolic reminder of the bloodshed during wartime.

What Happens on Remembrance Day in Canada?

Remembrance Day is marked coast to coast across Canada with ceremonies and moments of quiet reflection to honour those who served. While traditions can vary slightly by region, common elements include:

• Wreath-laying ceremonies are frequently held at local war memorials and cenotaphs. These involve the solemn placing of wreaths containing poppies and other symbols of remembrance. Representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Legion, police, paramedics, Indigenous groups, and other community organizations will participate.
• National two minutes of silence observed at 11 a.m. on November 11th to coincide with the exact time the Armistice took effect in 1918. Bells will toll and people will stand quietly with heads bowed to display collective remembrance.
• Recitation of “In Flanders Fields” – Lt.-Col. John McCrae’s famous 1915 poem, which contains the memorable line “To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high”, is often read aloud.
• Televised national ceremony held at Ottawa’s National War Memorial attended by the prime minister, governor general, high-ranking military officials, Silver Cross Mother, and thousands of public observers. Wreaths are placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Local ceremonies held at cenotaphs, community halls, places of worship, and public spaces across Canada. These provide an opportunity for everyday citizens to honour veterans.
• Memorials and monuments are visited by people wishing to pay their respects, including Books of Remembrance housed in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower.
• Sporting event tributes, such as commemorative ceremonies held at NHL hockey games near Remembrance Day.
• School assemblies, lectures, and displays to teach students about the history and meaning behind Remembrance Day. Children often craft paper poppies and participate in contests.

Through these traditions, Canadians unite on November 11th to express their gratitude to generations of men and women who served in the armed forces, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of liberty and peace.

How Did Indigenous Veterans Contribute to Canada’s Wars?

Over 12,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people were estimated to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces during World War I and II.

However, the contributions of Indigenous veterans were unfortunately minimized and largely unrecognized in early Remembrance Day commemorations and honours.

A key factor was the systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression faced by Indigenous populations in Canada during this period. Indigenous soldiers volunteered for military service just like any other Canadian citizen.

However, when they returned home after being prepared to make the same sacrifice as their comrades, Indigenous veterans were denied benefits, compensation, and land grants offered to non-Indigenous veterans under the Soldier Settlement Act.

In light of these clear injustices, National Aboriginal Veterans Day was inaugurated on November 8th, 1994, to specifically recognize and honour First Nations, Inuit, and Métis veterans and their sacrifices.

On this day, Indigenous veterans are offered an Act of Remembrance at the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument in Ottawa. This monument features soaring bronze statues depicting the courageous contributions of Indigenous men and women during wartime.

November 8th provides a culturally relevant date to appreciate these veterans, separated from mainstream Remembrance Day observations that previously excluded them.

Thanks to decades of advocacy, Indigenous veterans are now honoured in a more inclusive and equitable way through both National Aboriginal Veterans Day and Remembrance Day proceedings. While past oversights cannot be erased, today’s commemorations ensure their brave service and contributions receive their due respect.

Is Remembrance Day a Statutory Holiday Across Canada?

Remembrance Day is observed as a national statutory holiday across Canada at the federal level, meaning federally regulated employees are entitled to take the day off work while still being paid. However, its status as a paid general holiday versus a day of observance only varies between provinces and territories.

The following provinces have designated Remembrance Day as a paid provincial statutory holiday:

• Ontario
• Manitoba
• Nova Scotia
• Newfoundland and Labrador

This means provincial and federal workers in these provinces are entitled to a paid day off.

Other provinces and territories observe and participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies and a moment of silence but do not provide it as a paid day off for employees. For example:

• Alberta
• British Columbia
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan
• Northwest Territories
• Nunavut
• Yukon

However, some employers in these regions may still offer either a paid or unpaid day off out of respect for Remembrance Day, depending on their internal policies.

During Remembrance Day, most public services and businesses remain open as usual, with the exception of some government offices and banks. Public transit runs on a normal or holiday schedule, depending on location.

Schools will be open but will host special Remembrance Day assemblies and activities to educate students on its history and meaning.

The following table summarizes the statutory holiday status of Remembrance Day across Canada:

Province/Territory	Paid Day Off?
Ontario	Yes
Manitoba	Yes
Nova Scotia	Yes
Newfoundland and Labrador	Yes
Alberta	No
British Columbia	No
Quebec	No
Saskatchewan	No
Northwest Territories	No
Nunavut	No
Yukon	No

Read more: Statutory Holidays in Ontario

This variation highlights the complexities of statutory holiday legislation across a decentralized country like Canada. While the meaning and ceremonies stay constant nationwide, the legal status and time off work privileges differ between regions.

How Can Canadians Participate in Honoring Remembrance Day?

There are numerous ways Canadian citizens can actively participate in commemorating Canada’s veterans and war dead leading up to and on Remembrance Day:

• Attend ceremonies at local cenotaphs and war memorials. Observe moments of silence and the laying of wreaths.
• Volunteer with veteran organizations to support events. Help distribute poppies or fundraising.
• Wear a poppy for the remembrance period leading up to November 11th.
• Donate to poppy funds or associations providing veteran services.
• Share stories and memories of relatives who served. Pass history on to younger generations.
• Learn about military history by reading books, visiting memorials, watching documentaries, taking classes.
• Educate youth on the meaning of Remembrance Day and sacrifices of veterans through school activities, ceremonies, arts and crafts.
• Watch televised national ceremonies and explain their significance to children.
• Take part in commemorations at community centers, places of worship, sporting events.
• Thank a veteran for their service and listen to their experiences. Hear first-hand accounts.
• Advocate for veterans’ rights to proper benefits, programs and services.
• Support organizations that help veterans in need, such as Royal Canadian Legion, True Patriot Love, VETS Canada.

Whether through personal education, public ceremony, financial donation, acts of volunteerism or other means, there are numerous ways Canadians can actively honour the memories of those who served in the armed forces and sacrificed their lives for Canada.

Why Is It Important to Observe Remembrance Day in Canada?

Observing Remembrance Day serves a number of important purposes at both the national and personal level for Canadians:

• Honoring veterans’ sacrifices – It provides a chance to formally pay tribute to those who gave their lives or health in defense of Canadian values and freedoms, recognising their profound courage and dedication.
• Historical education – Learning about the contributions of Canadian veterans in major wars and peacekeeping helps preserve memories and gain perspective on how freedom was earned and preserved.
• Teaching younger generations – Educating youth ensures those who served will not be forgotten. It instills a sense of history and national identity in children.
• Solemn remembrance – Ceremonies and memorials provide a ritual outlet for collective grief and reflection on the horrific costs of war, loss, and suffering.
• Symbol of gratitude – Wearing poppies and attending events demonstrates appreciation and moral debt owed to those who served on society’s behalf.
• Warning about war’s consequences – The solemnity warns that armed conflict should always be a last resort, as it causes unimaginable loss of human life.
• Strengthening nationalism – Ceremonies unite Canadians in common remembrance. Veterans’ sacrifices are honoured as having contributed to preserving Canada’s nationhood.
• Promoting future service – Respecting veterans inspires new generations to answer the call of duty and volunteer for military or public service when needed to defend freedom.

For all these reasons, Remembrance Day occupies a special position as a solemn commemoration that both honours Canada’s veterans and promotes national unity, memory, and democratic values. Its continued observance ensures their sacrifices and struggles will never be forgotten.

Conclusion

Remembrance Day stands as one of Canada’s most culturally significant and historically meaningful holidays. Its solemn ceremonies and symbols unite Canadians from coast to coast in remembrance of the contributions of veterans who served in times of war and military conflict.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this commemorative tradition began over a century ago following the immense human toll of World War I. It has since evolved to honour Canadians who lost their lives or health in theatres of war, ranging from Flanders Fields to the Korean peninsula to the mountains of Afghanistan.

Central traditions include wearing the poppy as a vibrant symbol of remembrance, observing moments of reflective silence, attending memorial ceremonies, and paying tribute beside cenotaphs and monuments engraved with the names of the fallen.

FAQs on Remembrance Day in Canada

Article Sources

• Remembrance Day in Canada – thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
• About Remembrance Day – carleton.ca
• Remembrance Day in Canada – jumpstreet.com
• Remembrance Day 2024 in Canada – timeanddate.com

Remembrance Day in Canada: The History of the November 11th Holiday
Ben Nguyen