Rememberance Day and Indigenous Veterans Day
On Remembrance Day, Canadians pause to honour those who have served and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict, and peace. More than 2,300,000 Canadians have served and more than 118,000 made the ultimate sacrifice. The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day. The reason that the poppy is worn for Remembrance Day is due to a Canadian physician and poet who noticed how quickly poppies had grown over the graves of soldiers who had died during the Battle of Ypres. This symbolism of the blood-red flowers was beautifully captured by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in his 1915 poem ‘In Flanders Fields.’
Most of us have a loved one who has served or is serving, and I am thankful every day for these individuals. Because of them, we get to live the lives that we have today. I look forward to celebrating our veterans living in the home.
Indigenous Veterans Day is observed on November 8, to recognize the courage and sacrifice of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people in military service.
It is estimated that, in total, over 12,000 Indigenous people have volunteered their services on the front lines, serving in all conflicts that Canada has been involved in.
The First Nations, Inuit and Métis have a long and proud tradition of military service to Canada, which continues today with Indigenous people serving in Canadian Armed Forces around the world — from NATO duties in Europe to United Nations peace operations.
On the home front, Indigenous people donated large amounts of money, clothing and food to worthy causes. Indigenous women had important roles during conflicts — serving as nurses, air traffic controllers and radio operators.
On Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour the important contributions of Indigenous peoples to protect rights and freedom in Canada, and we remember those who lost their lives for our country and those whose lives were forever changed.
Learn more about Indigenous veterans.
