How did Remembrance Day start?

This commemorative day marks the armistice to end the First World War, on November 11, 1918 at 11 am. Remembrance Day became a tradition the very next year, throughout the Commonwealth in 1919.

Nowadays, Canadians are asked to pause in memory of the countless men and women who have sacrificed their lives in the military; on the 11th hour of the 11th day, of the 11th month.

What’s with the poppies?

The association with poppies and Remembrance Day stems from a poem written by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae—In Flanders Fields. McCrae had witnessed a field of poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers during the First World War.

The sales of poppies in Canada today is a vital source of revenue for the Royal Canadian Legion.

Where can I find a Remembrance Day ceremony in my area?

Calgary

Jubilee Auditorium (1415 – 14 Avenue NW)
The Military Museums (4520 Crowchild Trail SW)

Edmonton

Alberta Aviation Museum (11410 Kingsway Avenue)
Beverly Cenotaph (40 Street and 118 Avenue)

Vancouver

South Memorial Cenotaph (41 Avenue and Windsor Street)
Victory Square (100 Pender Street West)

Victoria

Capriccio in the Nave (Quadra Street and Rockland Avenue)