What is Remembrance Day?

Today, on remembrance day, all Canadians and people visiting Canada should take a moment to remember those who we’ve lost in armed conflict.

Currently Canada has troops deployed in multiple areas across the globe. The troops deployed are not only fighting for Canadians, they are fighting for human rights, they are fighting with countries to end conflict, they are fighting to maintain law and peace. On this day, November 11, we honour those brave troops who’ve fallen during their service. Many of those troops had families, children, friends or loved ones; they likely had every intention of returning home. Yet, we shouldn’t end our remembrance with only those who have fallen but as well with those who currently fight to protect all of the values we hold dear as a nation.

Why do we take a moment of silence?

We take 2 minutes of silence at 11am in remembrance of the end of World War 1 and of those troops that fell during the war (and by extension, all wars). There is a specific set of events that takes place just before, during, and after the moment of silence.

What can we do if we want to help our troops?

Veterans experience a whole entire new perspective of life during their service. Coming back to society can be difficult or impossible for some of them. You can help support their reintegration through various charities. Families who have lost loved ones in the military can face financial setbacks and trauma that many of us can’t imagine. You can support families that have lost loved ones through various charities.

Does Kamloops host a ceremony?

Yes, in Kamloops we do have a remembrance day ceremony. It is located at the Cenotaph in Riverside Park and begins at 10:45am. For more information please check out the fantastic Tourism Kamloops page.