Canadians Mark Remembrance Day Across the Country

Canadian Armed Forces members salute as poppies sit on the Tomb of the Unknown soldier after the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Remembrance Day ceremonies were held across the country on Nov. 11 to commemorate the sacrifice of Canada’s veterans who fought or lost their lives in military service.

The ceremony in Ottawa, which was attended by thousands of people, featured a veterans’ march, the performance of the national anthem and the Last Post, as well as observing two minutes of silence in remembrance of the armistice of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

“Remembrance is about more than battles or statistics. It’s about people. It’s about the specific courageous, kind, generous, heroic acts made by those who wear the uniform. It’s about the changing face of veterans—veterans who were peacekeepers or who fought in wars,” Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said in a statement.

“Today, I ask that you listen to our veterans and preserve their history and experiences. They are entrusting us—all of us—with their stories.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in memory of those who died serving Canada.

“When Canadians have fought during times of war and conflict, they’ve done so in defence of the values we all hold dear values like freedom, democracy, and the rule of law during the First and Second World Wars in Korea and Afghanistan, and in peacekeeping operations members of our Armed Forces have stood up for these values,” Mr. Trudeau said in a video posted on X.

“They have endured the horrors of war to defend them. They have borne scars to many have given their lives. We owe it to them to stay true to our values and to never forget the sacrifices they’ve made to protect us all.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also called on Canadians to honour the sacrifices of those who serve, and their families.

“Behind every story of heroism, there is unspeakable heartbreak. Mothers will never see their sons again. Children, lost parents, friends, and family who go to bed every night. The pain that you can never heal,” he said in a social media video.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh posted a photo to X of his great-grandfather who served with the allies.

“Today, I honour my great-grandfather, Hira Singh who was an officer with the allied force,” he said in the post.  “May we never forget all those who sacrificed so much for our freedoms.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participates in the National Remembrance Day ceremony in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

‘Skill and Bravery’

A joint statement was released for the occasion by Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair, and Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc, saying that millions of Canadians have defended peace, freedom, and democracy through military service.

“Through the great conflicts of the 20th century up to the modern challenges of today, Canada’s Armed Forces and police officers have earned a reputation for skill and bravery around the world,” the statement said.

“This reputation was forged in battle during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in other more recent conflicts, and solidified over the past 75 years.”

The occasion was marked in other cities across the country as well, beginning with St. John’s in Newfoundland and Labrador. A ceremony was held at the Victoria Cenotaph in B.C.’s capital Victoria, and in Edmonton at the Beverly Memorial Cenotaph. Ontario’s official ceremony was held at Queen’s Park in Toronto.

Flags are planted outside the Veterans Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital ahead of Remembrance Day, in Toronto on Nov. 10, 2023. The Canadian Press/Chris Young

Silver Cross Mother

Gloria Hooper, this year’s Silver Cross Mother, took part in the ceremonies in Ottawa. Her son, Chris Holopina, was the first Canadian killed in Bosnia, according to the Canadian Legion Ceremony Program.

On July 4, 1996, he was travelling in an armed vehicle to rescue British soldiers trapped in a minefield. The vehicle left the road to avoid an accident and ended up careening down a ravine, rolling over, and killing Mr. Holopina. He was 22 years old.

“Sapper Holopina was the first Canadian to lose his life in Bosnia as part of Operation ALLIANCE,” says a statement by the Governor General’s office.