It’s about more than just wearing a poppy and observing two minutes of silence. Remembrance Day marks a time for all of us to remember the men and women who have served our country and the cause of freedom – many of whom sacrificed their lives. Remembrance Day also honours the official end of World War 1: November 11, 1918, at 11am (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month).
But were you aware that this recognition extends a full week before the 11th? Indeed, we’re part way through Veteran’s Week (Nov 5-11), and 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of United Nations peacekeeping.
Canada has a long history of helping defend and maintain peace around the world. More than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have served in international peacekeeping efforts across many countries. During Veterans Week, we recognize and remember their courage, service, and sacrifice.
Wednesday, Nov. 8 also marked Indigenous Veterans Day. This is an important opportunity to recognize the past and present contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People in service to our Armed Forces. For more than 200 years, Indigenous Peoples have bravely served Canada, from the War of 1812, to the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in peacekeeping missions under the United Nations.
Please take the time to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, and pay your respects to those who volunteered, served, fought, and died, for our freedom. While we enjoy the many benefits of living in a safe, affluent country which many consider to be ‘the envy of the world,’ it is important that we thank those who helped make it so.
— Neil
