Remembrance Day is held on November 11^th each year. It is a time when Canadians and others from around the world remember the service, courage and sacrifice that our soldiers gave for their country, so that we may live in freedom.

We remember our fallen soldiers of the past and present as

Well as our soldiers who survived and still serve our country

today in war, conflict and peace.

On November 11^th, at 11 a.m., we take a moment to remember our soldiers.

We remember our soldiers at 11 a.m., because this is the moment the fighting ended during the First World War.

Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day and was observed at the same time as Thanksgiving.

This changed in 1931. The federal government of Canada decided that Remembrance Day would continue to be observed on November 11^th and Thanksgiving would be moved to another date.

The Last Post

• Traditionally, the “Last Post” was played when the final inspection of the day was complete. This let people know that the camp was safe for the night. It is also a bugle call.
• In a Remembrance Day service, it symbolizes death.

Reveille

• The first bugle call of the day to wake soldiers in the morning. 
• During Remembrance Day ceremonies, it is played to signify the resurrection of the spirit of the fallen.

It is a symbol of remembrance and the blood shed by many soldiers for us and our freedom.

The poem, “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian poet, soldier and physician John McCrae made wearing poppies around Remembrance Day popular.

The Poppy Campaign uses the donations from the poppies to support our veterans and current soldiers buy necessities such as wheelchair ramps, food, eyeglasses, etc.

The Poppy Campaign is held across Canada from the last Friday of October to November 11^th.

The official national ceremony is at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Prime Minister, Governor General and Silver Cross Mother are there. Sometimes, a member of the Royal Family is in attendance.

Remembrance Day is observed throughout Canada and the Commonwealth.

The Silver Cross is a medal that is awarded to mothers who have lost a child in war. It is awarded by the Canadian Forces on behalf of the Queen.

The Royal Canadian Legion chooses a woman to represent all mothers who have lost a child who served in war. This woman lays a wreath during the National Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. A different woman is chosen each year from all over Canada.

Veterans’ Week is held across Canada the week of Remembrance Day.

During this week there are many opportunities to remember our soldiers with events throughout the country.

Why is Remembrance Day important?

What can we do to bring peace to our world?