Remembrance Day, November 11^th

Each year in Canada we observe Remembrance Day on November 11^th.  Originally observed as Armistice Day, it marked the signing of the armistice agreement to end the First World War, at 11 am, on the 11^th day, of the 11^th month, 1918.   

In 1931, the name was changed to Remembrance Day in Canada. Traditionally marked by a moment of silence and ceremony, Remembrance Day honours the men and women who have served and currently serve Canada during times of peace, conflict and war. In Manitoba it is a statutory holiday.

The poem In Flanders Fields, by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel and physician, John McCrae, gave rise to the poppy being forever associated with Remembrance Day.

Canada is not alone in marking this day; the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Poland, Australia, and others also observe November 11^th. Other nations observe similar days, such as ANZAC Day in New Zealand or Veteran’s Day in the United States.

National Aboriginal Veterans Day, November 8th

National Aboriginal Veterans Day was first observed in 1994 in Winnipeg, and has since spread nationally.  It honours aboriginal contributions to service in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and all military service.  It is observed on November 8^th each year.