On November 11, Remembrance Day, Canadians everywhere will pause to remember the many men and women who have served, and continue to serve, their country. Federally, this is recognized as a statutory holiday although it is up to each of the provinces to determine how it is recognized provincially.
- Did you know that Remembrance Day is observed at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month.
- The Armistice of Compiègne marked the end of WWI. It took effect at 11 a.m. Paris time, on November 11, 1918. Officially, it was more of a truce. It was prolonged three times until peace was finally ratified at 4:15 pm on 10 January 1920.
- In Ontario, Remembrance Day is not a “day-off”
- Some would like it to be just that. However, the Royal Canadian Legion objects. They feel that Canadians would not use the time off for remembrance but would treat a day off as a holiday. In particular, kids observing Remembrance Day in school have an opportunity to learn about it – not simply have a day off to do nothing.
- The Remembrance Day poppy originated in the USA
- The significance of the poppy was captured in the poem In Flanders Fields written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea on May 3, 1915. In 1918 American poet Moina Michael, inspired by the poem, vowed to always wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance. In 1920 it was adopted by the National American Legion and over time Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand among others.
- How to wear the poppy
- In Canada, the poppy is worn during the two weeks before 11 November. Poppies are to be positioned on the left lapel, or as near the heart as possible.
- The National Remembrance Day Ceremony is held in Ottawa at the National War Memorial
- The National (Silver) Cross Mother represents all mothers whose sons or daughters died while on active duty. Chosen by The Royal Canadian Legion, the annual honoree places a wreath at the base of the National War Memorial at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony.
President and CEO at The Chaos Group of Canada
Kevin Kinsella is a physical penetration tester and information security consultant. He has over 20 years’ experience in corporate & cyber security and specializes in Threat Risk Assessments, Corporate Counterintelligence, and Red Teaming & Alternative Analysis.
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