Remembrance Day
–| B2-C1 (intermediate to advanced) |–
On November 11th every year, Canadians observe what is called Remembrance Day, a statutory holiday that honours those who fought in wars past (namely WWI and WWII).
This day is not of joyful celebration, but of solemn gratitude, which is shown by the wearing of a red poppy on the left-hand side of Canadians’ coats over their hearts. This symbol of deep thanks is worn from November 1st to November 11th; however, many may be seen wearing it for the entire duration of the month.
Poppies can be purchased by donation virtually anywhere in public: malls, grocery stores, schools, city halls, post offices, legion volunteers on the street, etc. There is no minimum donation for a poppy, but Canadians commonly give anywhere between a quarter and a toonie for the flower. The money raised from poppies go to a variety of charitable organizations that often focus on the Royal Canadian Legion, veteran well-being, war education, and international peacekeeping.
Photo courtesy of Victoria Tronina of Unsplash.
Apart from wearing this meaningful flower, Canadians can be seen attending Remembrance Day ceremonies–typically held in the morning–in schools, community centres, concert and/or sport arenas, public squares, parks, legions, and government buildings. Such ceremonies act as public funerals for Canadian soldiers and victims of war, as well as an opportunity to honour those who fought and survived.
Traditionally at these ceremonies, one can hear performances of concert bands, which often play music specifically composed for this holiday. This music heavily features percussive and brass instruments, and there are often songs performed entirely by bagpipes. One such song that is traditionally played is called Last Post, which is performed by a single trumpeter at 11:00 AM. This song symbolizes the silence that occurs after death, after war steals its victims, when soldiers enter an eternal sleep. Following this performance is an entire minute of public silence, which people are to use to reflect on this matter, on the seriousness of war and the cost of our freedom. Once this minute passes, the trumpeter returns, playing a song called Réveille (also known as Rouse or Le Réveil). This song announces to the public that is time for them to awaken from their solemnity and return to their civic duties–their active contributions to Canadian society–so that the soldiers who died did not do so in vain.
Other activities that commonly take place at Remembrance Day ceremonies include: speeches from war veterans, veteran families, military personnel, and/or government officials; educational presentations on war and its historical role in Canada; poetry readings; marches; funeral processions; and symbolic interments.
Those who are unable or wish not to attend a local Remembrance Day ceremony may choose to watch one live on television, YouTube or a Canadian news app such as Global, CBC or CTV.
As Canadians often say leading up to and on Remembrance Day:
Lest we forget.
Do you observe a holiday similar to this one in your country? What is called and how do people honour it? Let me know in the comments below.
To learn about more Canadian holidays, including vocabulary related to these holidays, check out the Holidays link in the Tags section of our blog.
