On November 11th, 1918 the bugle called, announcing the cease-fire of WWI. Many were exhilarated to finally see their beloved family members once more. Tragically, many were forced to hold onto the last goodbyes and few memories they could recall. WWI was supposed to be the “war to end all wars”, but we all can agree this has not been the case. When the Allies and Germany signed the Treaty of Versailles, it was an understanding that because of the high death toll and immense destruction of the Great War, there was hope of no future wars to come. However, in 1939 WWII was declared and many Canadian soldiers were sent overseas, sacrificing themselves for the freedom of our country. Canadians have been involved in several wars before WWI commenced in 1914, but since then our country has been involved in many multicultural wars such as the Korean War, Gulf war, Kosovo War, and the Afghan War, which is still occurring to this date.
November 11th is an important day where people from all over the world commemorate the soldiers who have fought in the wars and who have sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom. Remembrance Day all began in 1919 and was originally called Armistice Day. It started out as a small gathering of citizens who honoured family by celebrating with a local memorial or shrine and by attending churches. Armistice Day first occurred in Buckingham Palace by the reigning of King George V. In 1921, the Canadian Parliament passed an Armistice bill proclaiming, that on November 11th it should be recognized as Armistice Day, in honour of all the Veterans who fought in WWI. In 1928, multiple people including several Veterans, wanted to make Armistice Day more annually practiced because it is such a meaningful, proud date for our country to reflect on. They also wanted to separate this day to remember the wartime sacrifices from the Thanksgiving Holiday. In 1931, Armistice Day was later renamed Remembrance Day or Veteran’s Day (US) throughout the world.
In many countries, Remembrance Day is practiced differently than in North America. Australians commemorated the fallen soldiers on November 11th, but now remember on April 25 (ANZAC Day), which is a public holiday. Saint Lucia and Barbados celebrate Remembrance Day by holding events, such as parades. South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate Remembrance Day ceremonies on the nearest Sunday of November 11th, while the Netherlands commemorate Remembrance Day on the 4th of May. Various countries remember the fallen soldiers on November 11th, but not all are a public holiday.
Remembrance Day ceremonies have become a wide spread tradition throughout the educational school system. The ceremonies consist of two minutes of silence at 11a.m. marking the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. In Canada, Remembrance Day ceremonies usually start out by the Lieutenants, soldiers, special guests, Colour guard, Army Cadets, Air Force, the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Navy, and Veterans to begin the ceremony. Following suit, the national anthem is played. The ceremonies also consist of speeches given by soldiers, the playing of the Last Post and The Rouse, the poem In Flanders Fields being recited, and the laying of the wreaths.
Poppies have become a symbol of hope, love, and world peace. In 1921, the Great War Veteran’s Association adopted the poppy as the symbol of remembrance because they grew on the western front during WWI and soon spread throughout the battlegrounds. The Canadian Legion continued this idea to wear the poppy on the left side, over your heart unifying Remembrance Day.
Since the ending of WWI, several memorials have been built in honor of the fallen soldiers. War memorials have been created in small towns, cities, or neighbourhoods, but they can also be represented by naming a recreational area or street after a fallen soldier. The most well-known war memorial in Canada, built in a span of 13 years and was unveiled in 1939, is a standing tribute to honor Canadian soldiers. It is called the National War Memorial which is situated in Ottawa. It has 22 figures each representing a different meaning; infantry, artillery, air force, nurses, cavalry, support services, and the navy. Peace and freedom are represented at the statue’s apex. The Remembrance Day ceremony is attended by thousands surrounding the National War Memorial on November 11th. Another war memorial that is greatly honored in Ottawa at Parliament Hill is the Peace Tower. It was completed in 1927 and contains the official books of remembrance listing more than 66,000 names. The Vimy Ridge memorial is located overseas in France, but is a Canadian tribute dedicated to the thousands of soldiers who were lost in the First World War. Approximately 11,285 soldier’s names are recorded and sadly do not have any known graves. It was created in 1925 and was finished 11 years later. The Vimy Ridge memorial represents peace, honor, faith, knowledge, and hope. When it was unveiled in 1936, many war veterans and other Canadians citizens attended the ceremony to commemorate the fallen soldiers.
On November 11th, not only do we remember the people we love who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom, but we shall remember the soldiers as a whole, who have served time in the war. Remembrance Day is not a topic to joke with, it is simply a touchy subject that should be dealt with respect. Imagine if we did not have a special day to remember. The thousands of soldiers who gave their lives and were courageous re-enacting several acts of bravery, would be meaningless. To many people, not only Canadians, November 11th may seem like an ordinary day because of the lost connection to the subject. Although there are many wars occurring today, we are very lucky and extremely fortunate in the country we live in. As Canadians, we only visualize what war looks like in photographs, written work, and the images shown on the television, therefore we are removed from the horrors of war. Numerous people take freedom and the significance of our Canadian land for granted. By remembering the men and women who are daily fighting for peace, we are recognizing their sacrifice and service given. In the future, Canadians shall improve their acknowledgment and strive to achieve world peace. During the war, acts of heroism and bravery are recorded frequently, however we should always remember all who have served and died fighting in the war. Everyday people sacrifice their lives for our country and for our freedom so future generations could live in world peace. This is the true importance of November 11th.
Written by Tessa R. Adamski
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Life in Colour 
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