LEST WE FORGET.

 LEST WE FORGET.

Remembrance Day is observed annually on November 11 to commemorate the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty, marking the end of First World War hostilities at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

Key Traditions & Observances

• Two Minutes of Silence: Observed across the country at 11:00 a.m. to pause and reflect.
• The Poppy: Wearing a red remembrance poppy on the left lapel, inspired by John McCrae’s poem "In Flanders Fields". Poppies are often placed on war memorials and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after ceremonies.
• Ceremonies: Major events take place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, as well as local community cenotaphs and sites such as Old City Hall and the Fort York National Historic Site in Toronto.
• The Act of Remembrance: Recitation of the verse starting with "They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old...".

Observance & Holiday Status in Canada

• Date: Wednesday, November 11.
• Statutory Status: Rules vary by province and territory. It is a federal statutory holiday under the Canada Labour Code, and a statutory or provincial holiday in most provinces and territories, while remaining an observance day (non-statutory holiday) in places like Ontario and Quebec.
• Veterans' Week: Preceded by Veterans' Week from November 5 to November 11 and National Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8.
If you would like, let me know:
• Which city or community you are looking for local ceremony schedules in
• Whether you need information on open/closed business hours or public transit adaptations

In Flanders Fields-By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.