On November 11,
as an act of remembrance, honour those men and women who have served for the
peace of this great nation- Brought to you by PartsAvatar Car Parts.
More than
118,000 Canadian soldiers have died serving for this nation. We are enjoying
peace and harmony because they fought for us. Then as a human being it is our
moral duty to pay respect to those who gave their lives and futures so that we
may live in peace.
But first it is
very important to know the history. Let us have a peek at the past!
A Day of remembrance
Every country
has a special day commemorating those who fought and died in the line of duty. Remembrance
Day marks the anniversary of the end of World War 1 on November 11, 1918. It is
also known as Armistice Day.
World War 1
resulted in loss of huge number of lives among civilians and military personnel.
Thus Remembrance Day commemorates those who died in armed conflicts especially
during World War 1. November 11 is observed as Remembrance Day in many common
wealth nations like U.S., Australia and New Zealand etc.
Remembrance Day celebrations
In Canada, Remembrance
Day is observed as a holiday for government employees, private business,
schools and provincial governments. In Atlantic and Western parts of Canada it
is observed as a holiday while in Ontario and Quebec it isn’t.
We pay homage to
those who respond to their country’s needs. On November 11, people attend
commemorative ceremonies and a tribute of 2 minute silence is given to them.
Following are
the ways in which you can spend Remembrance Day:
Wear poppies on your lapel
Bright red poppy
is seen as a symbol of Remembrance Day all over the world. After the First World War, the red poppy was symbolized
as the bloodshed by the soldiers on the western front. Poppies were a common
sight amidst the violence that reminded soldiers that there is still beauty and
hope in the world.
To honour those
who died while serving in military or in other wars, pin a poppy on your shirt
lapel as a silent but meaningful gesture. Do wear your poppy on the left close
to your heart. It is typically worn from the last Friday of October until the
closing of commemoration ceremony.
Reflect on Canada’s past and struggles
It’s a perfect
time to introduce Canada’s role played in the World War 1 and other wars to
your young generations. It is a time to reflect on the historical relations
Canada had maintained with other commonwealth nations.
Two minutes of Silence
At 11.00 A.M.,
joint the rest of the country in observing two minute of silence to commemorate
the time at which armistice was signed in 1918. Bow your head, stand still,
reflect and honour veterans in this meditation of gratitude.
Cite the poem “Ode of remembrance”
The Ode of
remembrance is the part of the poem “For the fallen” which originally honoured
the British soldiers who died on the western front. It is now recited as a
general commemoration of all soldiers who died in the line of duty.
Visiting National War Memorial in Ottawa
The official
national ceremonies are held at the national war memorial in Ottawa. These
events begin with the tolling of Carillon in the peace tower, during the
serving members of Canadian forces arrive at confederation square, followed by
Ottawa diplomatic corps, ministers of crown, royal Canadian legion, vice regal
party and royal party.
Remembrance Day at Calgary
A parade is observed
at central memorial park held by Calgary highlanders.
Military museums also offer free admission on this day. Public addresses and
speeches are held at Battalion park ceremony.
Honour your loved ones!
We can spend
quality time with our family members on this day. For those with relatives who
died while serving in the military, it is special day for honouring those loved
ones.
Certain Protocols to follow in ceremonies!
The very first
thing is to wear poppy. With poppies come questions about exactly how to wear
them? What are the don’ts of ceremonies? Here are some protocols you should
follow strictly:
1. Pins
shouldn’t be substituted with safety pins or rubber bands to keep a poppy from
falling off. The legion doesn’t like using Canadian flag pins to hold on
poppies.
2. Poppy is
generally worn on the left lapel close to your heart.
3. You can also
wear poppies to honour veterans in other ceremonies or funerals other than Remembrance
Day.
4. You can wear
as much poppies as you want to, there is no rule to this. It is observed that
Queen Elizabeth II routinely wears several poppies when honouring the war dead.
5. Don’t recycle to reuse this year’s poppy, next
year.
6. You don’t
need a photo to immortalize this instant. Feel the unity and the reverence.
Quick Facts about Remembrance Day
1. It was first
observed 1919 as was originally called as Armistice Day to commemorate
armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Monday, November 11, 1918
at 11.00 A.M.
2. The first Remembrance
Day was observed on November 11, 1931 after a bill was passed in house of
commons to change the name.
3. On this day
we remember and pay homage to more than 2300000 Canadian Men and women who have
served throughout our nation’s history.
3. Replica
poppies are sold by royal Canadian legion to provide assistance to veterans.
4. The governor
general of Canada presides over the national ceremony which is held in national
war memorial in Ottawa.
5. In advance of
the ceremony, the veterans, Canadian Armed forces, RCMP officers and cadet
march to the memorial lead by a pipe band and a colour guard.
6. Many nations
which are either member of commonwealth like Australia, New Zealand, U.K. and
U.S. or non commonwealth nations like France, Belgium and Poland observe Remembrance
Day on November 11.
7. U.S. changed
the name of Remembrance Day to Veterans Day but they celebrate and observe it
on the same day i.e. November 11.
Bottom Line
It is our duty
to remember those brave men and women for their devotion and courage to ideals.
For one brief moment of our busy lives, shouldn’t we remember why we must work
hard for peace? So the next time you recon an army, navy, air force officer,
soldier thank and salute them!
Parts Avatar Canada
will hold a moment of silence so out thoughts can be with the fallen soldiers
and veterans. Remember them well!
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