Edublog - Observing Remembrance Day In Canada

Learn English with NETOL
Nov 8
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 each year. It marks the end of the First World War, which was on November 11, at 11 a.m. in 1918, and it honours the men and women who served in the armed forces. On this day, Canadians stop at 11:00 a.m. for a two‑minute silence. People wear poppies, go to ceremonies at cenotaphs, and remember those who died and those who were wounded.

Who Gets The Day Off On Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is not a statutory holiday for most workers in Canada. Whether someone gets the day off or not depends on where they live and who their employer is in Canada. Some federal employees and some provincial public servants have the day off on Remembrance Day. Many businesses and schools stay open.

How Canadians Observe Remembrance Day

On November 11 at 11:00 a.m., many people stop what they are doing to remember. Towns and cities hold ceremonies at cenotaphs and memorials. A bugler plays The Last Post. People lay wreaths and place flowers. There is a two-minute silence to honour the fallen. Veterans, family members, community leaders, and many citizens attend these services to show their respect.

Video: The Last Post

Observing Remembrance Day At School In Canada

Schools often hold classroom activities and assemblies. Students may read poems, make poppies, sing songs, learn about the history of the wars, or watch videos about Remembrance Day. These activities help young people understand why this day holds such significance in Canada.

“Lest We Forget”

Remembrance Day honours people who served in the armed forces and remembers those who died or were wounded. The phrase “Lest we forget” is a reminder not to forget their sacrifice. It asks us to keep their memory alive and to learn from the past.

Wearing A Poppy On Remembrance Day

The poppy is a red flower symbol. It grew on battlefields long ago. Today, we wear a poppy on the left side of our body, near the heart, to show respect and honour those who have served. People pay for the poppies, and the money from the Poppy Fund in Canada helps Canadian veterans and their families.

In Flanders Fields And John McCrae

There is a famous poem that is called “In Flanders Fields”. It was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915, and it is closely linked to Remembrance Day and wearing a poppy on this special day.

John McCrae served as a doctor during the war. He wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields” after he saw poppies grow between the crosses on the soldiers’ graves, and after he lost a friend in battle. The poem connects the poppy flower to the soldiers who died. The poem is a mix of sadness with a call to keep the memory of the soldiers who died.

Video: In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

Concluding Thoughts About Remembrance Day

In conclusion, Remembrance Day is a day for Canadians to honour the brave people who served and those who died or were wounded in the war. We show respect by wearing a poppy, and we attend ceremonies at cenotaphs. It is a day that teaches each of us to remember and be thankful for our peace and freedom in Canada.