Do you know the history of Remembrance Day?

On November 11, we as Canadians take this day to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict and peace.A little bit of history and some facts:

• Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day; marking the date and time when armies ceased fighting on November 11^th at 11:00 am in 1918, the end of the First World War.
• Inaugurated in 1919 throughout much of the British Empire.
• In May of 1921 Canadian Parliament passed an Armistice Day Bill to observe ceremonies on the first Monday in the week of 11 November combining it with Thanksgiving.
• In 1931 the Federal Government decreed that the newly named Remembrance Day be observed on 11 November and moved Thanksgiving Day to a different date.  The first Remembrance Day was observed on November 11^th, 1931.
• In the First World War 61,000 Canadians died, in the Second World War 42,000 Canadians died.
• The first person to use the poppy as a symbol of remembrance was Moina Michael, a member of the American Overseas YMCA.  She was inspired to do so by reading John Mccrae’s Poem, “In Flanders Fields”.

Here’s a link to more history and information on the poppy: The PoppyRemembrance Day is important.  It’s important to remember the men and women who sacrificed lives and continue to sacrifice their lives for others.Members of the Canadian Armed Forces “are proud to serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad. They support freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights around the world.”Their mandate:

1. Protecting Canada and defending our sovereignty.
2. Defending North America in cooperation with the United States, Canada's closest ally.
3. Contributing to international peace and security through operations around the world, most often in partnership with allies from other countries.

Take the time on Wednesday at 11:00 am to remember those who have fallen.  Buy a poppy to support our veterans.  Thank a member of the Canadian Armed Forces for their dedication and commitment to our country.On line Sources – Canadian War Museum, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Encyclopedia.ca, Government of Canada: National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces