Remembrance Day Etiquette & Facts

Remembrance Day, observed annually on November 11, is a significant day to reflect on the bravery, sacrifices, and contributions of Canadian men and women who have served in the armed forces. For information on local ceremonies or to learn about Remembrance Week activities near you, visit our Community Events page. Since World War I, over 1.5 million Canadians have served in various conflicts worldwide, with more than 100,000 losing their lives. Remembrance Day is a time to respect this legacy, honor the fallen, and pay tribute to veterans and current service members who have committed to the pursuit of peace.

Key Dates:

Remembrance Week (Ontario): November 5 – 11
Indigenous Veterans Day: November 8
Remembrance Day: November 11

Queen’s Park Ceremony

The annual Remembrance Day ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto is open to the public, offering a respectful space to honor veterans and active service members. Details for the event are:

Date: November 11, 2024
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Location: Ontario Legislative Building, 111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto

The ceremony will also be live-streamed, allowing Canadians across the country to participate. You may also watch the ceremony live on YouTube.

Find Local Ceremonies

Many municipalities host local Remembrance Day events, often in collaboration with veterans’ organizations, schools, and places of worship. Check your municipality’s website to find ceremonies in your community.

Remembering Canada’s Legacy Remembrance Day is an essential time for Canadians to reflect on the sacrifices made for peace and freedom. By participating in these acts of remembrance, we honor the courage and dedication of those who served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.

Local ceremonies

Visit your municipality’s website to find out if they’re hosting a ceremony near you.

You may also find Remembrance Day services at schools, colleges, universities, places of worship, your local veterans’ organization.

Why We Remember at the 11th Hour on the 11th Day of the 11th Month

On November 11, 1918, at 11:00 a.m. in Paris, the Armistice agreement was signed, formally ending World War I. Known as Armistice Day or Veterans Day in various countries, this day of remembrance invites us to pause, reflect, and express our gratitude for the courage and sacrifices made in times of conflict.

Dos and Don’ts of Remembrance Day Observance

Observe Two Minutes of Silence:

The most important way to honor Remembrance Day is by observing two minutes of silence. Standing quietly, bowing your head, and reflecting in silence is a simple yet powerful gesture of gratitude and peace.

Refrain from Taking Selfies:

During moments of tribute, avoid taking photos or selfies. This is a time for unity, reverence, and reflection, rather than documentation.

Remove Hats During the Moment of Silence (for Men):

As a sign of respect, men should remove their hats during the Moment of Silence. While women may keep their hats on, they should be mindful of not obstructing anyone’s view.

Poppy Etiquette

The red poppy has become a lasting symbol of remembrance, inspired by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Fields. The Royal Canadian Legion distributes poppies as a way to support veterans and their families.

Here are some guidelines for wearing a poppy with respect:

Wear Your Poppy on the Left Side, Close to Your Heart

Poppies should be worn on the left, symbolizing the position closest to one’s heart. It is customary to wear them from the last Friday in October until Remembrance Day’s closing ceremony.

Keep the Poppy Plain

Altering the poppy, whether by adding pins, decorations, or symbols, is discouraged. The poppy should remain simple and unadorned to respect its significance.

Dispose of Your Poppy Respectfully

After the ceremony, it’s customary to leave the poppy at the base of a monument or at a graveside to pay respects to those it represents. Avoid keeping or reusing poppies for future ceremonies; each poppy is meant to be a tribute for the year in which it is worn.

Honoring Veterans

As we remember the sacrifice of so many, we are reminded that service members come from all roles and backgrounds, each contributing to peace and protection. Whether you encounter a veteran in uniform or a civilian who has served, take a moment to acknowledge them with gratitude.

By honoring these traditions, we keep the spirit of Remembrance Day alive, ensuring that the sacrifices of our veterans are recognized and appreciated by future generations.

Learn more about Indigenous veterans.

Source By: Government Ontario