The Importance of Remembrance Day
Each year on November 11, individuals across the Commonwealth and in many other countries pause for a moment of silence. They gather at cenotaphs, war memorials, schools, and workplaces to honour those who lost their lives in military service.
This solemn event, known as Remembrance Day, serves not only to commemorate the fallen but also to remind us of the heavy cost of war, the preciousness of peace, and the enduring duty to safeguard freedom.
Historical Background
Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 to mark the first anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War. The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.—the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
“Although it originated after the First World War, Remembrance Day remains profoundly relevant today, reminding us that the lessons of history must never be forgotten.”
The Human Cost
The First World War lasted more than four years, claiming the lives of over 16 million people worldwide, including more than 60,000 Canadians. Entire towns lost a generation of young men, leaving families permanently altered.
Commemorating the Fallen
In the years following the war, communities across Europe, Canada, Australia, and other nations created memorials, monuments, and ceremonies to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Author’s summary: Remembrance Day reminds the world to honour the fallen, reflect on sacrifice, and uphold the lasting responsibility to preserve peace and freedom.