Remembrance Day; To Take Part
By Ronnie Kayla Neiman
Remembrance Day has been an active part of Canadian lives since 1931. The tradition of Remembrance Day evolved out of Armistice Day, which began at the end of the First World War. It officially became ‘Remembrance Day’ a few decades later prior to the Second World War.
Each year at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (i.e. November 11, 11:00 am), Canadians gather in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to stand in silence in honour of all those who have fallen and defended our country. Together we observe a moment of silence, a total of two minutes to mark the sacrifice of the many who have fallen in the service of their country, and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.
Royal Canadian Legion members take pride in organizing Remembrance Day Ceremonies in over 1,400 branches across Canada and abroad. Through each branch, the Legion continues the traditions of Remembrance so that Canada “never forgets”.
Even this year, with the pandemic surging throughout Manitoba and Canada, people are still finding ways to honour those who have sacrificed and defended for our country. Virtual events are being held across the Canada.
The Brandon University Archives has a letter from the Brandon University President in 1945, which emulates the feeling many of us are having, not only towards the emotions around war and the acknowledgment of sacrifice, but also towards the feeling of helplessness in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. It speaks to the need to go on and resume a feeling of normalcy.
Remembrance Day is part of that normalcy even as the world changes around us.
