11 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Remembrance Day

Remember in school when we used to stand in unison on November 11 to remember those who gave their life for our country? 

Well, we’re never too old. 

So while you dedicate a moment’s silence today – whether at a public ceremony in your city or between emails at your desk – here are 11 things you might not know about the very special date that is November 11…

1. Technically, armed conflict ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
But World War I officially ended on June 28th, 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. And despite Armistice going into effect at 11am, it was actually signed at 5am.

2. Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Manitoba do not recognize Remembrance Day as a national holiday.
At least it’s being talked about, though…

3. The United States enjoy a public holiday today.
They also call it Veterans Day.

4. ‘In Flanders Fields’ was initially discarded by author John McCrae…
…and retrieved from a garbage can by fellow soldiers. The poppy is now one of the most recognized symbols of Remembrance Day worldwide.

5. An American woman popularized wearing a poppy on November 11.
YWCA worker Moina Michael first wore the gesture after being inspired by John McCrae’s iconic poem. 

6. Germany does not commemorate the anniversary of the Armistice.
Instead, a national day of mourning – Volkstrauertag – two Sundays before the first Sunday of Advent is observed as a public holiday to honour those killed on all sides of war. 

7. “Last Post” is the trumpet tune you hear every November 11.
We hope you’re able to hum it in its entirety after today. 

8. Remembrance Day and Thanksgiving were celebrated on the same day until 1931.
We much prefer the current timing. 

9. Poppies were green in the centre from 1980 until 2002 to represent the colour of the hills in Flanders.
We lived with 22 years of floral fallacy. Poppies have a black centre.

10. There were 35 terms in the Armistice signed by Germany on November 11, 1918.
You can read them here.

11. More than 118,000 Canadian soldiers have died since Confederation.
Today officially honours their service as we remember how fortunate we are to live in this incredible country where we are safe and free, with boundless possibilities and opportunities


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Cover image from: istock.com/Canadapanda

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