Remembrance Day began in 1919, a year after the end of WWI. The day honours those who have served in the line of duty.
On Friday (Nov. 11) there are many ways to participate in the act of remembrance:
1. Attending your local Remembrance Day Ceremony
In Fort Saskatchewan, the Legion has an outdoor ceremony starting at 10:45 a.m. at the cenotaph, which is followed by an indoor ceremony at the branch. After the ceremony, the Legion is hosting an open house for the rest of the day, including a bid auction, live entertainment, and a meat draw.
The Fort Saskatchewan Heritage Precinct is hosting a Remembrance Day tour.
Strathcona County is hosting its ceremony at Millenium Place starting at 10:30 a.m. It will be live-streamed as well.
In Gibbons, the Legion starts their ceremonies at 10:20 a.m. before marching to Gibbons Cultural Centre for the ceremony. At 2 p.m. children as asked to leave as the Legion opens for the rest of the day with refreshments and entertainment.
Morinville has a parade and indoor ceremony at their Legion. The parade begins at 10:45 a.m.
Redwater's Legion begins its service at 10:45 a.m. before having a roast beef dinner and cribbage games in the evening.
In Bruderheim, the ceremony begins at their community hall starting at 10 a.m. Afterward, they provide a light lunch with refreshments.
2. Watching the national ceremony
For those who can't make it in person, you can watch the National Remembrance Day Ceremony on Canadian news networks, or online through The Royal Canadian Legion's Facebook page. The ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa.
3. Wearing your poppy
Every year, millions of Canadians wear a poppy from the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day.
The flower is a symbol of the Legion's Poppy Campaign, which raises funds to support veterans and their families. Their use of the poppy was inspired by the famous poem by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, "In Flanders Fields".
You can find poppies at your nearest Legion Hall, or at local businesses.
4. Giving two minutes of silence
The First World War ended in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Now at the stroke of 11 a.m., it's a tradition to pause for two minutes of silence to remember those who lost their lives fighting for their country's freedom.