The Importance of Remembrance Day
Every year on November 11, people across the Commonwealth and beyond pause for a moment of silence. They gather at cenotaphs, war memorials, schools, and workplaces to honour the men and women who gave their lives in military service.
This solemn occasion, known as Remembrance Day, is not only a time to remember the fallen but also to reflect on the cost of war, the value of peace, and the ongoing duty to preserve freedom.
Historical Background
Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919, marking the first anniversary of 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 lasted more than four years and resulted in over 16 million deaths worldwide, including more than 60,000 Canadians. Entire towns lost a generation of young men, forever altering families and communities.
Commemoration and Legacy
In the years following the war, communities across Europe, Canada, Australia, and other nations created ceremonies, monuments, and memorials to honour those who sacrificed everything.
Remembrance Day “reminds us that the lessons of history must never be forgotten.”
Although Remembrance Day originated after the First World War, it remains deeply relevant today as a reminder of both sacrifice and the ongoing responsibility to uphold peace.
Summary
Remembrance Day solemnly honors fallen soldiers while encouraging reflection on war’s impact and the importance of safeguarding freedom today.