The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Every year, Canadians take two moments of silence to recall the sacrifices made by all who have served our country during times of war and peace, especially those who have died in the line of duty.
The origins of this date being used as our memorial was the signing of the armistice that marked the end of WW1 in 1918. The agreement was signed by the Germans and the allies, at Compiegne, France. This day was originally called Armistice Day. The name of the holiday changed to Remembrance Day in 1931. It is now a public holiday and federal statutory holiday, and statutory holiday in three territories and six out of the ten provinces. Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day. At the original ceremonies marking the anniversary, real poppies were worn, representing the poppies that bloomed at battlefields in Flanders in WW1. The red colour of these poppies became symbolic of the blood that was shed during the war.
On November 11th, we commemorate all those that have given, and continue to devote, their time to serve our country in war or peacetime; especially those who never returned. We remember the first and second world wars and the Korean War. We also consider all conflicts which members of the Canadian armed forces have served.
As many of us will be working during that 11th hour, our members can show support by wearing poppies. We can give our thoughts and minds to the important sacrifices of our veterans, appreciating the freedoms they fought for, which include the freedom to fight for our own rights as unionized workers.
For those not working, who would like to mark the day, there are many ceremonies in cities across the country, for example, at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Every province has several memorials and ceremonies happening at various cenotaphs.
Here is a listing of different services around the country:
The origins of this date being used as our memorial was the signing of the armistice that marked the end of WW1 in 1918. The agreement was signed by the Germans and the allies, at Compiegne, France. This day was originally called Armistice Day. The name of the holiday changed to Remembrance Day in 1931. It is now a public holiday and federal statutory holiday, and statutory holiday in three territories and six out of the ten provinces. Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day. At the original ceremonies marking the anniversary, real poppies were worn, representing the poppies that bloomed at battlefields in Flanders in WW1. The red colour of these poppies became symbolic of the blood that was shed during the war.
On November 11th, we commemorate all those that have given, and continue to devote, their time to serve our country in war or peacetime; especially those who never returned. We remember the first and second world wars and the Korean War. We also consider all conflicts which members of the Canadian armed forces have served.
As many of us will be working during that 11th hour, our members can show support by wearing poppies. We can give our thoughts and minds to the important sacrifices of our veterans, appreciating the freedoms they fought for, which include the freedom to fight for our own rights as unionized workers.
For those not working, who would like to mark the day, there are many ceremonies in cities across the country, for example, at the national war memorial in Ottawa. Every province has several memorials and ceremonies happening at various cenotaphs.
Here is a listing of different services around the country:
In solidarity,
Air Canada Component of CUPE