The Importance of Remembrance Day
Each year on November 11, people across the Commonwealth and beyond observe a moment of silence. They gather at cenotaphs, war memorials, schools, and workplaces to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in military service.
“This solemn occasion is known as Remembrance Day, a day not only to remember the fallen but also to reflect on the cost of war, the value of peace, and the continuing duty to preserve freedom.”
Although its origins trace back to the aftermath of the First World War, Remembrance Day remains deeply meaningful today. It serves as a reminder that the lessons of history must never be lost to time.
Historical Origins
Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919, marking one year since the armistice that ended the First World War. The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
The war, which lasted over four years, claimed more than 16 million lives across the globe, including over 60,000 Canadians. Entire towns lost many of their young men, leaving families and communities permanently changed.
Commemoration and Legacy
In the years following the war, communities sought meaningful ways to honour those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Ceremonies, monuments, and memorials arose throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, and other nations, ensuring that remembrance would endure through generations.
Modern Observance
Today, Remembrance Day continues to unite people in reflection and gratitude. The act of pausing in silence serves as both a tribute to the past and a renewal of commitment to peace and freedom.