Every year our community like thousands across Canada holds a Remembrance Day ceremony at our Veterans Park. Every year hundreds of children from newborns to those in their late teens are there. Remembrance Day, observed every year on November 11th, holds deep significance in Canada, as it commemorates the sacrifices made by those who served in the military during times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping missions. For children under the age of 18, it is an essential day to learn about Canada's history, the values of peace, and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives to secure the freedoms we enjoy today. By understanding and participating in Remembrance Day, children gain important lessons that shape their character and worldview.
1. Learning About History
• Remembrance Day offers children the opportunity to learn about the history of Canada’s involvement in major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and peacekeeping missions. Through stories of bravery and sacrifice, they begin to understand the impact these events had on the country and the world.
• Schools often incorporate lessons around Remembrance Day, teaching students about the significance of battles such as Vimy Ridge and the role Canada played on the global stage.
• By understanding this history, children develop a sense of pride in Canada's contributions and appreciation for the individuals who shaped the world they live in today.
2. Honouring Sacrifice
• The act of remembering those who gave their lives in war teaches children about sacrifice, courage, and duty. Many soldiers were just a few years older than today’s teens when they went off to fight. Understanding the stories of young people who put their lives on the line helps children grasp the seriousness of war and the importance of standing up for peace and justice.
• Participating in Remembrance Day activities, such as wearing poppies or attending ceremonies, instills in children a respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It reminds them of the human cost of war, which should not be forgotten.
3. Understanding the Value of Peace
• One of the most important messages of Remembrance Day is the value of peace. By reflecting on the devastation caused by wars, children learn about the importance of working toward a peaceful world. The day provides a chance to discuss how conflicts can be resolved without violence and why it’s essential for countries and people to work together to avoid the horrors of war.
• For children, this lesson in peace translates into everyday life, teaching them the importance of kindness, empathy, and resolving conflicts in their own lives.
4. Fostering Gratitude and Reflection
• Remembrance Day encourages children to reflect on how fortunate they are to live in a time of relative peace. It allows them to see the privileges they enjoy—such as freedom, security, and education—as the result of sacrifices made by earlier generations.
• Through reflection, children can also develop a deeper sense of gratitude, not only for those who served in the past but for the peacekeepers and members of the armed forces who continue to protect their country today.
5. Building a Connection to Community
• Remembrance Day ceremonies, whether at schools, in local communities, or through national events like the one held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, help children feel connected to something larger than themselves. These ceremonies are a shared experience that fosters a sense of unity, reminding them that remembering is a collective responsibility.
• By participating in community activities like laying wreaths, attending parades, or simply observing a moment of silence, children understand the importance of remembrance as a tradition that binds Canadians across generations.
6. Promoting Critical Thinking
• Remembrance Day also encourages critical thinking in children. They learn to question why wars happen, how they can be prevented, and what lessons society can learn from past conflicts. These discussions allow children to explore complex topics like justice, freedom, and human rights, helping them form their own views about the world and their role in it.
7. Encouraging Empathy and Compassion
• Remembrance Day allows children to put themselves in the shoes of others, fostering empathy for the families who lost loved ones and the soldiers who endured hardships during war. Learning about the struggles faced by people in the past—and the challenges still faced by veterans today—helps children develop compassion and a desire to support others, both in their community and beyond.
Ways to Involve Children in Remembrance Day:
• Wearing a Poppy: Encourage children to wear a poppy in the days leading up to Remembrance Day as a symbol of respect and remembrance. Explain the meaning behind the poppy and the story of John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.”
• Attending a Remembrance Day Ceremony: Take children to a local ceremony or watch the national ceremony broadcast from Ottawa to help them feel part of this collective remembrance.
• Creating Art or Writing Letters: Many schools invite children to create Remembrance Day art or write letters of thanks to veterans. This activity helps personalize the experience of remembrance and fosters a deeper connection to the day.
• Reading Books About War and Peace: Sharing age-appropriate books about World War I, World War II, and other conflicts can help children better understand what soldiers went through and why it’s important to honour them.
As a former teacher, I believe it is important for our society that children under the age of 18, continue to be reminded that Remembrance Day is a time to learn about Canada’s history, honour the sacrifices of others, and reflect on the importance of peace. By participating in Remembrance Day activities, children develop a deeper sense of gratitude, empathy, and responsibility. They begin to understand that the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy today were hard-won and that their generation must continue promoting peace and remembering the sacrifices of those who came before.
