Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day Quick Facts - EU

AKA NameArmistice Day
Hashtags#RemembranceDay
2023 Date11 November 2023

2022 Holidays & Dates

EU Country Common Holidays
EU Country National Holidays
Christian Holidays
Jewish Holidays
Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day History

Remembrance Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, marks the end of World War I and serves to commemorate all members of the Canadian Armed Forces, past and present. On November 11th, 1918, at 11am, the armies stopped fighting and World War I came to an end for the United Kingdom. As a British colony, Canadians volunteered to fight alongside the British Forces in Europe. Hundreds of thousands chose to serve. This day consists of ceremonies, symbols, and prayers all in remembrance of those who served.

Remembrance Day was established in 1921 with the passing of the Armistice Bill. In 1931, the Canadian government renamed November 11 as Remembrance Day to emphasize the memory of fallen soldiers. It is observed annually on November 11th.

Remembrance Day Facts & Quotes

  • A popular war memorial poem recited by students on this day is John McCrae’s, In Flanders Fields. Written during World War I, it considers the sacrifices of the dead.
  • The Poppy is a common symbol of remembrance for those who died in the pursuit of freedom. People wear this poppy as a pin on their left breasts in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day.
  • In many commonwealth areas a night vigil is held in remembrance of the fallen. Members of the armed forces keep watch over a ritualistic tomb site.
  • They fought together as brothers in arms; they died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation — the obligation to insure that their sacrifice will help make this a better and safer world in which to live. - Chester W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral WW2
  • We are dead, short days ago, we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie in Flanders Fields. - Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae (1915)

Remembrance Day Top Events and Things to Do

  • Place a wreath at the grave of a deceased member of the military.
  • Wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance.
  • 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.

Remembrance Day References and Related Sites

Canadian War Museum: Remembrance Day
Pacific War Museum: Memorial Courtyard

Copyright 2002-2023 © Sapro Systems LLC • About • Privacy Policy • License Terms • Corrections & Suggestions •

spacer