On November 11, Canadians celebrate Remembrance Day. This date was originally known as Armistice Day and marked the end of the First World War. Remembrance Day is now a day to honour the fallen, with services held across the country.
From the last Friday in October until November 11, Canadians are seen wearing poppies on their left lapel. Poppies initially became popular in Canada following Canadian medical officer John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Field, which was written in 1915 during the Second Battle of Ypres. In 1921, the Great War Veteran’s Association in Canada adopted the poppy as the flower of remembrance. Today, we continue to wear poppies to honour Canada’s fallen.
While Remembrance Day was established following the First World War, in honour of the soldiers we lost, we continue to remember those who fought in the First and Second World War, The Korean War, The Gulf War, the Afghanistan War, and those who were lost in the many peacekeeping missions Canada took part in, as well as those who were lost fighting on the homefront. Remembrance Day honours all soldiers who have fallen, retired, currently serving, and those who are members of the Canadian Armed Forces, RCMP, Peace Officers, and more.
The Royal Canadian Legion is often associated with the majority of the Remembrance Day events across Canada. Through their initiatives and events they are responsible for honouring Canada’s fallen men and women. This includes the planning of the Remembrance Day Ceremony held in Ottawa every year. In the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, you can find donation boxes holding poppies for you to take in exchange in hundreds of different locations across the country. In addition to leaving donations in exchange for poppies, you can also donate online (https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy-campaign/donate-to-the-poppy-fund).
This year, due to Covid-19, Ottawa is required to follow specific guidelines for the ceremony. This means not as many people can attend. However, don’t let this prevent you from participating in remembrance and taking a moment of silence for those who have fought for Canada. You can watch Ottawa’s Remembrance Day Ceremony online through the Legion’s Facebook page, or check out one of Canada’s major news broadcasts.
On the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember those we lost fighting for our country. Remember to take that minute and pause in respect of those who are gone. I invite you to make a donation to your local Legion branch, pick up a poppy, and proudly wear it on your lapel this November.
