Corina Ardeleanu on Unsplash

This upcoming weekend will mark a solemn time for all Canadians.

November 11 marks the start of Remembrance Day, a day we remember all the veterans of past wars, and commemorate our current soldiers who continue to fight for peace every day. On that day, we remember those who fought graciously for peace across the world and we remember those as well who didn’t make it home. From the war in Afghanistan to the First World War, we remember all the brothers and sisters who helped protect peace throughout the world and those who had fallen. We can also mark a lot of ceremonies and dedications happening across the countries. The most famous being, of course, the major ceremony held in Parliament Hill down in Ottawa. Thousands of people gather around the memorials and pay their respects to the fallen. It’s live-streamed across Canada, but for those who really want to get close to the fallen, it’s recommended that you head over to one of the ceremonies that’s happening this weekend. 

Downtown at Victory Square, you’ll see thousands upon thousands lining upon the streets of Vancouver for the morning of 11/11, where they’ll be adorned with poppies and thanksgivings. A parade to commemorate those who didn’t make it home, and a ceremony where the Last Post will be played, the most famous of war songs. And in North Vancouver, where a stone memorial stands tall at Victoria Park in Lonsdale, hundreds will be standing in the cold before another parade happens where thousands will be lined up on the sidewalks. 

And of course, at 11:00 AM, that’s when we all go silent. A minute of silence to remember. A minute of silence to reflect. A minute of silence to celebrate. 

And as the final trumpet note sounds and the parade ends, we shall reflect on the conflicts that started at all and remember the families who must deal with such losses.

Remembrance Day isn’t a day to mourn, but a day to remember, and celebrate those who have fought for peace among the people. Even if you disagree with parts of the military or even government, it still is worth remembering the fallen brothers and sisters who had a great deal to save the peace. 

I hope to see you out in the parade, or at least wear a poppy for Remembrance Day this year. Even throughout these tumultuous times, we shall not forget.