Across the country on Remembrance Day, Canadians stop to honour and reflect on the sacrifices military personnel have made for our freedom.
While many gather at memorials for ceremonies on November 11, it can be challenging for some to get to a cenotaph. If you are unable to attend a ceremony in person on the day of the commemoration, here are 10 ways to participate in Remembrance Day.
1. Pick up a poppy pin
Poppies are available at your local grocers and stores for a donation. Make sure you pick one up before November 11.
The Legion Poppy Fund uses the donations to provide financial assistance and support to Veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP — and their families who are in need.
For more information, visit the Royal Canadian Legion website.
2. Watch the national or local parade on TV
CBC live streams and airs the national parade on Remembrance Day. Check your local listings for community coverage in your area.
You can view CBC’s live coverage here.
3. Visit a community monument or memorial centre
Many communities have designated war memorials. Veterans Affairs Canada has an online database for Canadians to search for local memorials in their communities.
Click here to find one near you.
4. Go to a War Museum.
There are over 70 Canadian Armed Forces museums across Canada, rich with history and stories.
Visiting one of these locations is a great way to show respect and honour fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for us.
The Canadian War Museum, located in Ottawa, Ontario, has exhibits commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
For more information, visit their website.
5. Support troops directly
This time of year is an excellent time to send morale mail to veterans, and troops overseas. Canadians, School classes, and organizations can send bulk mail to Canadian Soldiers.
Members serving overseas appreciate receiving mail from across Canada. For more information about mailing and guidelines, click here.
6. Volunteer at a local charity
The Royal Canadian Legion accepts volunteers throughout the year to help with various campaigns and initiatives. This time of year, the Legion looks for volunteers to help with the Poppy Campaign.
Visit your local Legion Branch to learn more information or visit their website.
7. Take pause on November 11 at 11 am
If you are unable to attend an events, set an alarm for 11:00 am to take a moment of silence.
Use that time to remember our fallen soldiers and reflect on how their actions impact our daily lives.
Thanks to their sacrifices, we are a free country and are allowed to live the lives we do.
8. Watch a movie about the cost of war
Watching a war film is another way to remember the tremendous toll war takes and those who bravely took it on.
Many movies depict real stories of military personnel serving during war. The immersive visual experience can truly offer a sense of their experience, cultivating a deeper appreciation and understanding.
We recommend choosing from this list here.
9. Educate kids about Remembrance Day
“A Poppy is to Remember” by Heather Patterson and Ron Lightburn is available at local bookstores and online.
Veterans Affairs Canada also offers online resources for families and children to learn about Remembrance Day.
These tools are sensitive ways to help children learn about military history in an engaging way.
10. Watch the Canadian War Museum Remembrance Day
The Canadian War Museum invites Canadians from across the country and around the world to participate in this moving Remembrance Day ceremony.
On November 11, at exactly 11 am EST, sunlight enters through a single window in Memorial Hall, illuminating the headstone of Canada’s Unknown Soldier.
To reach many Canadians as possible, it is streamed live. Click here to access one of their streaming platforms.
For those unable to view in real time. The livestream will remain available online until November 14 at noon (EST).
For more Canadians news and stories, click here.
