Remembrance Day is a day to remember people who fought and died in wars. It is on November 11th. On that day in 1918 came the end of World War I with Armistice with Germany.

Remembrance Day was started in 1919 by King George V of the United Kingdom. On the same day, other countries also have days to remember war and soldiers.

Traditions:

Lest we forget

There are some things that people do on Remembrance Day at 11:00 AM. That is when the World War ended. At a ceremony for Remembrance Day, a tune called “The Last Post” is played on a bugle (or sometimes a trumpet). Then there is two minutes of silence. At the end of the silence, the bugle plays a tune called “Reveille”.

In many countries, many people wear a poppy on Remembrance Day, and for a few days before. The remembrance poppy is an artificial flower to commemorate those who died in war. People bring wreaths made of poppies to Remembrance Day ceremonies. The poppy is a symbol to show they remember the wars, and the soldiers who fought in them. Poppies were chosen as a symbol because they often grew in battlefields after the soldiers stopped fighting.

 

How Can You Be Part of Remembrance Day?

 

WEAR a Poppy—You can find poppies at many of your local stores or Legion halls. Donations are voluntary and what you can afford to offer.

ATTEND A CEREMONY online- show your appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to serve this glorious country that we call Canada.

OBSERVE a 2-minute moment of silence—On November 11th at 11:00.

Let your child see what you do to honour veterans. Talk to them about Remembrance Day if they ask questions.

When you’re explaining the meaning behind Remembrance Day to your preschooler, gauge how your child is feeling and what they’re ready for. You’re the best judge of how your child will react, but kids often understand more than we give them credit for. Explain as much as your child can handle. It’s okay if they don’t understand everything you say. Every year they’ll learn more.

 

Please join me for simple poems for preschoolers about Remembrance Day here.

For older children or adults please check out my favorite poem “Why Wear a Poppy?” – By Don Crawford here.

 

We remember.