Canadians and other members of the Commonwealth have been honouring Remembrance Day on November 11 since the end of the First World War. This day provides an occasion to acknowledge our veterans, and current service men and women while raising funds to support
programs for vets. Remembrance Day is especially visible here in the Capital, so Hazelview Properties has assembled a few ways that residents of our Ottawa apartments can pay their respects this year.
Wear a Poppy
You may remember learning John McRae’s poem “In Flanders Fields,” in elementary school during Remembrance Day assemblies. While this poem played a key role in turning the poppy into a recognized symbol of Remembrance, the flowers that we wear today represent a whole lot more. The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign raises funds for ex-servicemen and women in need, so picking up a poppy at the grocery store can have much more than a symbolic impact.
Attend a Local Ceremony
The Capital is home to many different ceremonies honouring our veterans, including the National Ceremony of Remembrance at the National War Memorial (10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.), and the Remembrance Day Ceremony at the National Military Cemetery (10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
Visit Peace – The Exhibition
The Canadian War Museum is currently hosting Peace – The Exhibition, which explores Canada’s longstanding relationship with peace and conflict. Learn about Canadian war heroes and veterans, as well as our role in peacekeeping and peacemaking in recent history. The Canadian War Museum will be offering free admission on Remembrance Day itself, and offering many opportunities to honour Canada’s military history during Remembrance Week.
No matter how you choose to honour this holiday, you’re sure to see more activity around Ottawa’s many monuments. Pick up a poppy today and take this opportunity thank a veteran or learn more about Canada’s place in history. Lest we forget.