Canadians observe Remembrance Day each year on November 11 at 11 a.m., a tradition that reflects on the moment hostilities ended during the First World War in 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, the date serves as a national pause to honour the men and women who have served in Canada’s armed forces. It is a day to acknowledge sacrifice, reflect on the cost of conflict, and recognize the ongoing contributions of veterans and military personnel in securing the country’s freedoms.
Armistice Day was first marked in 1919 throughout the British Empire, but ceremonies were initially held on the second Monday of November. In 1921, Canadian legislation aligned Armistice Day with Thanksgiving, placing both commemorations on the same day. This arrangement resulted in subdued public observances, as the solemn tone of remembrance was overshadowed by the celebratory nature of the holiday. During the 1920s, many veterans and their families continued to gather privately in churches and around local memorials to reflect on wartime losses.
Calls to give Armistice Day its own distinct place in the national calendar led to renewed efforts to separate the occasion from Thanksgiving. In 1931, the federal government officially named the observance Remembrance Day and designated November 11 as its permanent date. Thanksgiving was moved to another time of year. The change shifted the focus entirely to honouring fallen soldiers rather than commemorating wartime victories, emphasizing reflection over national triumph.
Remembrance Day ceremonies soon grew in importance across communities, forming traditions that remain central today. Gatherings often take place at cenotaphs, war memorials, schools, and public institutions. The two minutes of silence, the playing of the Last Post, the reading of In Flanders Fields, and the wearing of poppies have become defining symbols of the day. These observances reflect both remembrance and a call to consider the human cost of conflict.
Public engagement with Remembrance Day has varied over the decades, but interest surged notably in the mid-1990s with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Today, the day is an official holiday for many government workers, and major ceremonies across the country draw large crowds. The national ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa is broadcast widely, and media outlets produce extensive coverage exploring military service and the enduring significance of remembrance. Each year, Canadians continue to reflect not only on past sacrifices but also on the ongoing responsibility to support peace and honour those who have served.
