Remembrance Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Remembrance Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Remembrance Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as fun facts you should know about Remembrance Day.

📅 What day is Remembrance Day 2024?

In 2024, Remembrance Day is on Saturday, November 11th. It is the 2nd Saturday in November; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about November 11, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

📜 Remembrance Day History

In the years following the war, the significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month grew. It became closely associated with remembering those who lost their lives in the war. This war was the first major international conflict involving around 70 million people and resulted in the deaths of approximately nine to thirteen million individuals. Sadly, a significant portion of those who died were never given a proper burial. The allied nations chose this specific day and time to honor their fallen soldiers.

On the first anniversary of the armistice in 1919, two minutes of silence were observed as part of the main remembrance event at the newly built Cenotaph in London. This idea was suggested by Edward Honey, an Australian journalist, and a South African leader also recommended it to the British Cabinet, who agreed. This marked the beginning of the tradition of Remembrance Day. The first Armistice Day was celebrated at Buckingham Palace, where the king hosted a luncheon for the French president. During World War II, many countries modified the name of the holiday, and the United States chose to call it Veterans Day.

In Canada, Remembrance Day, also known as “Jour du Souvenir,” is still a public holiday in six out of ten provinces. The Armistice Day Act, passed in the 1920s, initially specified that Canada’s Thanksgiving would be observed on Armistice Day, which was the Monday following November 11th. However, in 1931, the government officially moved the date to November 11th and changed the name to Remembrance Day.

This day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict, and peace, specifically in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all subsequent conflicts involving the Canadian Armed Forces.

The official national ceremonies in Canada take place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, Ontario, following a strict protocol. Military officials lead the service. In May 2000, the remains of an unknown Canadian soldier who died in France during World War I were laid to rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial.

✅ Remembrance Day Facts

🔖 The number 11
Each year, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians come together in a moment of silence to honor and remember the brave men and women who lost their lives while serving their country.

🔖 Strength in numbers
Over the course of Canada’s history, over 2.3 million Canadians have dedicated themselves to maintaining peace.

🔖 Red poppies
The Flanders poppy was the very first flower to bloom amidst the battlefields drenched in blood.

👍 Why Is Remembrance Day Important

Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s role in the conflict as well as its historical relationships with the rest of the Commonwealth.

The brilliant red poppy is the universal symbol of Remembrance Day. What’s with the poppy? Poppies were a typical sight on the Western Front; in the thick of the fighting, these vivid red blooms poked through the earth, reminding soldiers that there is beauty and optimism in the world.

Because Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday, many Canadians enjoy an extra day to spend with family members. For individuals who had relatives who died while serving in the military, Remembrance Day is a particularly poignant occasion for remembering and honoring their loved ones.

🙂 How To Observe Remembrance Day

⚡ Cite the poem “The Ode of Remembrance”

⚡ Wear a red poppy on your lapel
After World War I, the red poppy quickly became linked to the tragic loss of soldiers on the Western Front. By wearing a poppy on your shirt lapel, you can honor the memory of those who died in World War I and earlier battles. This simple yet significant gesture will connect you with countless other citizens of the Commonwealth across the globe.

⚡ Participate in the nationwide two minutes of silence
The “Ode of Remembrance,” written by Laurence Binyon in 1914, is part of the poem “For the Fallen,” which initially commemorated British troops who died on the Western Front. It is now chanted in memory of all the troops who perished in the line of duty.

📅 When is Remembrance Day?

View all 🔗 November holidays, including 🔗 Federal and other 🔗 Historical holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Remembrance Day. So be sure to check back soon.