Remembrance Day is this Monday, November 11th.
This weekend, there are many opportunities to show your support for those who fought for our freedom.
From attending a ceremony to donating to a meaningful cause and spreading awareness, you can honour the fallen no matter where you reside.
Canadian veterans are at high risk of experiencing a low quality of life. Health complications, financial hardship and mental health struggles are commonplace.
According to Census 2021, there are an estimated 461,240 Canadian Veterans. Based on the same study, approximately 2,600 Veterans are homeless.
Let’s give back to those who sacrificed so much for us and our country.
Here a different ways you can participate in Remembrance Day across Canada.
The Poppy Campaign
From the last Friday of October to November 11th, Canadians wear a synthetic poppy in honour of Canadian veterans.
The Royal Canadian Legion provides poppies for free and accepts donations to the Poppy Fund.
Poppies are available at multiple businesses Canada-wide. Donations are accepted in cash or by card. Digital poppies can also be purchased online.
Outside of Canada, you can pick up a poppy at the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
100% of the donations go towards the Legion’s Poppy Trust Fund which supports veterans and their families.
If you get a poppy, post a photo with #GetYourPoppy to inspire others.
For more information about the Poppy Campaign, click here.
Visit a military museum
The Canadian Armed Forces has many different units, regiments and branches. Most divisions are represented in dedicated museums. While some museums thrive, others struggle.
Military museums preserve the stories of soldiers and offer insight into the reality of their lives. By visiting them, you can boost the longevity of these culturally significant institutions.
Experiential learning is invaluable in understanding what others have lived through and the purpose behind it.
It adds depth of meaning and intention to remembering those lost and embracing those currently serving.
Find a Canadian military museum near you in this directory.
Attend a ceremony
Every year, ceremonies take place across Canada on November 11th as a collective show of respect for the Armed Forces.
In-person ceremonies are a powerful way to unite with fellow Canadians, hear the stories of those who served Canada while remembering the deceased.
The Royal Canadian Legion created a Ceremony Locator to help you find the most accessible location.
Local and national virtual ceremonies are also available to attend.
The 2024 National Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa at 10:30 am Eastern.
National news networks will broadcast the ceremony live on TV. The ceremony is also viewable on the Royal Canadian Legion’s Facebook.
If you cannot participate in a Remembrance Day celebration, you can still pay your respects by observing two minutes of silence.
Visit the Royal Canadian Legion’s website for more ways to get involved.
For more current events, click here.
