Remembrance Day Canada

Remembrance Day in Canada | Celebration | Poppies | Contact

Remembrance day is on November 11. This website is mainly about Remembrance Day in Canada but you can also find information about this holiday in other countries.

On remembrance day members of the armed forces (soldiers) are commemorated.

The other common name for this day is Armistice Day which marks the date and time when armies in general stop fighting. November 11th at 11am in 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month) marks the end of the first world war in the UK - this date and time was made into Remembrence Day in commonwealth countries.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday in more provinces (more about statutory holidays in Canada) as it is in most other countries where this day is observed on the national level. Each year we get many emails from people wondering why isn't this day observed in all provinces and territories. Unfortunately we don't know the answer, your best bet is to contact the government (Ministry of Labour).

The Ode of Remembrance is cited on Remembrance Day followed by the phrase "Lest we forget." :

The Ode of Remembrance:
They went with songs to the battle, they were young.
Straight of limb, true of eyes, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted,
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

For more information about Armistice Day / Remembrance Day visit the following websites:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?source=history/other/remember
http://www.warmuseum.ca/cwm/remember/remembranceday_e.html

In the First World War 61,000 Canadians died, in the Second World War 42,000 Canadians died. Many of these soldiers were dual citizens serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

A poem sent in by a visitor:

"I wrote this poem to honour the men and women who have fought and died for what they believed in. They should never be forgotten. "

Remembrance Day

Here I lie in this field of poppies.
And here I'll die for the land I love.
So say a prayer and sing the anthem.
And don't forget me when November comes.

It don't matter where you come from.
And it don't matter what God you trust.
It's my life and I choose to gift it.
So don't forget me when November comes.

I won't ask the why or wherefore.
And I won't say what have you done.
For I am dying for what I believe in.
Just don't forget me when November comes.

Say goodbye to that big old city.
And say goodbye to the ones I love.
Take their hand and whisper softly.
That I'll be here when November comes.

Note :
The first verse is to all Canadians
The second verse is to the multicultural society of Canada
The third verse is to the Canadian politician.
The last verse if for the soldier's family.

Another poem by Mike:

In life one man can seldom see
His impact in society
Our soldiers fight to blinded eyes
To allow us all to live our lives
Taking up arms against a foe
To save us from the pain they know
To give us all out liberty
They bear the brunt of misery
No greater duty can one bear
An act of courage few would dare
Endless sacrifices for 4 years
Keeping back our greatest fears
November 11th is a day of love
To remember those now up above
Men and women far too great
To be remembered upon one date
No words bring justice to their fight
But i will try with all my might
To bring them honour for the days
They fought to alay such evil ways
No act of love could be so grand
As one brave soldier's final stand
So now I will say at last
We must remember what has past
Those who have died and those who live
And all the thanks to them we give
They are all those who meet the call
Preserving good for one and all
So on this day I ask you pray
For heroes of our memory
Thank for your sacrifice
It was this act that gave us life.

In honour of those who saved the world.

"I wrote this on November 11th and I didn't really know what to do about it, but I guess you kind of have to share these things. I don't necessarily know if its good or anything but I saw a poem on the front page and I might as well send this in, at least someone will read it, even if it gets screened lol."

Thank you Mike for sending in your poem!

I remember

I remember the people who battled,
The bombings, shootings and deaths.
The terror running through my mind.
I lose many friends.
I must keep battling!

I remember the Canines,
Biting and attacking the enemies,
Risking their lives to save ours!
I'm heart broken when they are killed.
I will never forget what the canines did for us.
A man's best friend is gone!

I remember the young teens going to war,
16 and 17 year olds risking their lives for their country,
Being strong and taking hits like a soldier does.
Feeling very sad for them when they die.
I can't believe that it was the last time they saw their family!

I remember the bomb attacks.
The terror on everyone's face,
Seeing my two and four legged friends, the soldiers, die.
How horrifying it was for us.
I must keep battling for my country and friends.

I remember battling in all different kinds of climates,
The blazing hot sun,
The freezing cold winter,
The Down Pours and lying in the trenches.

This is war and this is how it was!!! May they RIP.

Written By: Lucas Rodriguez - Astral Drive Junior High

Visitor comments:

Your website states "On remembrance day members of the armed forces (soldiers) are commemorated". Is this correct? My understanding is that Remembrance Day is a day to commemorate those who have died during war in the service of their country. It seems what your website is suggesting a "Veteran's Day" or an "Armed Forces Day", recognizing those who had served or are still serving in our country's armed forces. As a retired Canadian Forces Officer I believe it is appropriate to recognize the contributions of our serving military men and women, but not on a day originally set aside to recognize our fallen soldiers.

I am from vancouver and i wanted to say that the first world war started because at that time in history all of the colonies in the world had been taken by various european countries and the only way for a european country to get more colonies was to fight another european country.Before that there wasn't a need to go to war for that reason.After the first world war european countries made millions of dollars at Germanys expense even though all the countries were equally responsible for wanting to get more colonies.These days the wars are fought for the same reasons.Russia did the right thing in 1917 and withdrew from the war.It is time for a change.It will be the working class in the world that will make the change.Humanity has survived slavery in the period of antiquity and again in the 16th and 17th centurys.We managed to get through feudalism and now there is just one more hurdle to get rid of.that is capitalism.Then things can begin to be done for the good of the people which is impossible under capitalism. (Stan Squires)

Information about Remembrance Day Canada holiday, celebration and poppies.