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.
The Meaning of the Day
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 protect freedom.
“Remembrance Day reminds us that the lessons of history must never be forgotten.”
Historical Origins
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 had lasted more than four years and claimed over 16 million lives worldwide, including more than 60,000 Canadians. Entire towns lost a generation of young men, leaving families and communities forever changed.
Tradition and Legacy
In the years following the war, nations established ceremonies, monuments, and memorials to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These symbols remain powerful reminders of courage, loss, and collective memory across Europe, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
Author’s Summary
Remembrance Day honours those lost in war and reminds future generations of the enduring duty to cherish peace and safeguard freedom.