Remembrance Day History

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is a day dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by the armed forces and their role in maintaining peace and freedom. Observed in many countries around the world, it is a day to reflect on the courage and selflessness of those men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military. This observance also allows younger generations to gain an understanding of the significance of their service, and the impact it has had on the course of history.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is notably important, as it is not only used to honor the Canadian Armed Forces but also to strengthen national unity and identity. The observance in Canada dates back to November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Since then, Canadians have remembered their servicemen and women who fought in the World Wars, the Korean War, and other conflicts, as well as peacekeeping missions, reaffirming their commitment to peace and stability.

To observe Remembrance Day in Canada, various ceremonies take place across the country, typically featuring the laying of wreaths, parades, moments of silence, and the playing of the "Last Post". The national ceremony is held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and other dignitaries. Canadians also traditionally wear red poppies, as symbols of remembrance, in the weeks leading up to November 11. On this day, the nation collectively remembers and honors the sacrifices made by its armed forces in pursuit of peace and freedom.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Remembrance Day in Canada

• National ceremonies held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on November 11 continue to be led by the Governor General, serving as the central point of remembrance for the entire country.
• The Remembrance Day poppy, inspired by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem In Flanders Fields, remains the official symbol of remembrance, with the poppy campaign raising funds to support veterans and their families.
• At 11:00 a.m. local time, Canadians across the country observe two minutes of silence to mark the exact moment the armistice took effect, ending the hostilities of the First World War in 1918.
• Although November 11 is a federal statutory holiday, its status as a paid day off varies across provinces and territories, leading many to check local regulations regarding school and business closures.
• The tradition of wearing a poppy is observed from the last Friday in October until the conclusion of the Remembrance Day ceremony, at which time many people place their poppies at the base of cenotaphs as a sign of respect.
• Originally known as Armistice Day, the observance was renamed Remembrance Day in 1931 following a bill introduced to decouple the memorial from the Thanksgiving holiday and establish a fixed date for honoring fallen soldiers.
• Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from the First World War and serves as a primary site for laying wreaths and personal tributes.
• National Indigenous Veterans Day, observed annually on November 8, provides a specific opportunity to recognize the unique contributions and sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Canadian military history.
• The Last Post, a bugle call historically used to signal the end of the day's duties, is played during ceremonies to symbolize the end of a soldier's service and to transition into the two minutes of silence.
• * More than 2,300,000 Canadians have served in the military throughout the nation's history, with over 118,000 having made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts ranging from the First World War to modern peacekeeping missions.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Remembrance Day

Top things to do for Remembrance Day in Canada

• Place a wreath at the grave of a deceased member of the military.
• Wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
• Watch Canada’s Hundred Days (2018). This documentary presents the final 100 days of the First World War from a Canadian perspective.
• Watch a movie about the First World War. Here are our suggestions:
  War Horse (2011)
  Admiral (2008)
  The Great War (2007)
• Visit Canada's National War Memorial at Confederation Square in Ottawa.
• Read the poem, In Flanders Fields, by Canadian physician John McCrae.