Armistice Day History

Armistice Day commemorates the end of World War I and the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany. Its purpose is to honour the sacrifices made by soldiers in the conflict and to promote peace. Important aspects of the observance include paying tribute to fallen soldiers, holding ceremonies at war memorials, and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

In Canada, Armistice Day holds a special significance due to the role of Canadian troops in the war. Canadian soldiers played a pivotal part in many battles, most notably the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917, which is often cited as a key event in the development of Canada's national identity. Over 61,000 Canadian soldiers lost their lives during the conflict, and Armistice Day serves as an opportunity for Canadians to remember their bravery and express gratitude for their sacrifices.

To observe Armistice Day, ceremonies and events are held across Canada, such as the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa, which features a military parade, moments of silence, and the laying of wreaths at the National War Memorial. Canadians also wear the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who have fallen in battle. Armistice Day, now often referred to as Remembrance Day in Canada, is observed on the 11th day of the 11th month, with two minutes of silence held at 11 a.m. to mark the moment the guns stopped firing in 1918.

Top 10 Facts for Armistice Day in 2026

• The 2026 observance serves as a major milestone, marking the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion, an organization instrumental in supporting veterans and their families since its founding in the mid-1920s.
• For the 2026 period, the National Poppy Campaign officially launches on October 24, with the Governor General of Canada receiving the first poppy to signify the commencement of the commemorative season.
• The 2026 commemorative programming includes a thematic focus on the contributions and experiences of the Canadian Armed Forces in the Middle East.
• Remembrance Day in Canada evolved from the original 'Armistice Day,' which was established to mark the 1918 cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, known as the '11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.'
• The tradition of wearing a red poppy is rooted in the imagery of the landscape in Belgium described in the famous poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian physician and Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.
• The federal government officially transitioned the name from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day in 1931, a change intended to broaden the focus of the day from celebrating military victory to honoring the sacrifice of all who served.
• Official protocol for the day typically includes the playing of 'The Last Post,' the reading of the Ode of Remembrance, and two minutes of silence observed precisely at 11:00 a.m. to honor the fallen.
• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National War Memorial in Ottawa serves as a central site for remembrance, where members of the public frequently leave poppies, photographs, and letters to pay their personal respects.
• Indigenous Veterans Day is observed annually on November 8, providing a dedicated opportunity to recognize the long history and specific sacrifices of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis service members.
• While Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday, its status as a paid day off varies across provinces and territories, leading to ongoing public discussion about its consistency in labor legislation nationwide.

In the News and Trending for Armistice Day

Top things to do for Armistice Day

• Visit the national war memorial in Ottawa. On Armistice Day, the Governor General of Canada presides over a memorial ceremony along with the Prime Minister.
• Attend or watch a march. Many marches are held in honor of those who served and in honor of those whose lives were lost in war.
• Visit one of the national, local, or personal memorials across Canada.
• Watch The Great War, a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation documentary that provides an in-depth look at Canada's role and experience in WW1.