What is remembrance Day?

Like many of you my Dad fought in the Second World War, my Uncle was a Peace Keeper in Cypress and had a full career in the services. My Nephew is currently serving, and from time to time has been in harm's way. Remembrance Day, marks Armistice Day,  the day on which the hostilities between the Allies and Germany ceased on the Western Front.   It is a day to honour those who gave their lives to protect our lives and liberty. It is an honour to be able to say thank you to all of the men and women who have served and who are serving today. 

Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, due to the tradition of the remembrance poppy, is a day observed in Commonwealth member states. The tradition goes back to the end of the First World War to honour the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. King George V began the holiday in 1919.

The tradition of Remembrance Day evolved out of Armistice Day. The initial Armistice Day began at Buckingham Palace, with the king hosting a banquet honouring the French president. Later, during World War II, many countries changed the name of the holiday. The U.S. chose Veterans Day.

Remembrance Day in Canada, known as Jour du Souvenir remains a statutory holiday in six of the 10 provinces. The government, in 1931, officially changed the date to November 11. The name also changed to Remembrance Day.

Canada has declared that the date is of “remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve the country during times of war, conflict and peace”; particularly the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all conflicts since then in which members of the Canadian Armed Forces have participated.

The government also runs a program called Canada Remembers with the mission of helping young and new Canadians, most of whom have never known war, “come to understand and appreciate what those who have served Canada in times of war, armed conflict and peace stand for and what they have sacrificed for their country.”