Remembrance Day in Canada: History, Traditions, and Significance

Remembrance Day, observed on November 11, is one of the most solemn and important days in the Canadian calendar. It honours the men and women who served and died in military conflicts around the world.

Why November 11?

World War I ended on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 AM — the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This moment of ceasefire is commemorated each year with a moment of silence at 11:00 AM.

The Red Poppy

The red poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. Canadians wear poppies from the last Friday of October until November 11.

The poppy tradition was inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian military doctor who wrote the poem in May 1915 after witnessing the death of his friend during the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium.

The poem begins:

"In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row..."

The vivid image of red poppies growing among the graves of fallen soldiers became a powerful symbol of sacrifice and remembrance.

Remembrance Day Ceremonies

The National Ceremony

The main ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. The Governor General, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries lay wreaths. Veterans parade past the memorial. The Silver Cross Mother places a wreath on behalf of all Canadian mothers who lost children in military service.

Local Ceremonies

Communities across Canada hold their own ceremonies at cenotaphs and war memorials. Schools hold assemblies. The Last Post bugle call is played, followed by two minutes of silence.

Moment of Silence

At 11:00 AM, Canadians observe two minutes of silence to remember those who served. Many workplaces, schools, and public spaces pause for this moment.

Canada's Military Sacrifices

World War I (1914-1918)

World War II (1939-1945)

Korean War (1950-1953)

Peacekeeping

Afghanistan (2001-2014)

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Located at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier contains the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier from World War I. It honours all Canadians who have died in military service and whose remains were never identified.

The Vimy Memorial

The Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France honours the over 11,000 Canadian soldiers who died in France during World War I and have no known grave. It is one of Canada's most important overseas monuments.

Remembrance Day as a Holiday

Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday. It is also a statutory holiday in most provinces, though not in all. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close.

Teaching the Next Generation

Remembrance Day is an opportunity to teach children about sacrifice, service, and the cost of freedom. Many schools invite veterans to speak, hold assemblies, and create art projects about remembrance.

Test Preparation

For the citizenship test:

Learn more in our [Study Hub](/dashboard/study) — the symbols chapter covers Remembrance Day in detail.