Each November, Canadians take time to reflect on the contributions made by our Armed Forces to keep us safe, and to remember those who lost their lives in service of their country. Most years, schools hold Remembrance Day assemblies, and local Legion branches host parades and ceremonies where we can all gather to give our thanks and share in a moment of silence.
This year, to keep our veterans and our communities safe, the ways in which we honour our service men and women have adapted and changed.
To help you find ways to give back and give thanks this month, we’ve put together some suggestions for how to safely participate and show your gratitude this Remembrance Day.
Wear a Poppy
One of the most popular and easy ways to show your support leading up to Remembrance Day is by participating in The Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign. Poppies are free to whoever wants to wear one, but donation boxes are available for those who wish to support the Legion and Canada’s veterans.
ONroute visitors can pick up a poppy at any plaza in the lead up to, and on, November 11th.
Watch a Local Remembrance Day Ceremony
Most years, in communities around the province, residents are encouraged to attend local Remembrance Day ceremonies to honour fallen soldiers and those who served. This year, to keep everyone safe and healthy, municipalities and local Legion branches will be live streaming the ceremonies so you can watch from home.
You can also tune in to the National Remembrance Day Ceremony, held at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, or the Queen’s Park Ceremony of Remembrance to participate in a moment of silence to honour the fallen.
Wreath Laying
Wreath laying at memorial sites and cenotaphs is another way that members of the public can participate in commemoration events. This year, wreath laying services have changed in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines. The best way to learn how you can order or send a wreath for Remembrance Day services is to check your town or city’s website, or with your local Legion branch.
Make a Donation
There are many charitable organizations in Canada devoted to doing good and providing support to those who selflessly serve our country. ONroute is proud to partner with Support Our Troops for the month of November, to spread awareness about the important work they’re doing to help past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Visitors to ONroute plazas can make a $1 donation to Support Our Troops during any transaction with any of our brand partners. You can also make a donation right now through our website.
You can also find and donate to charities doing work to help veterans locally in your community, through CanadaHelps.org.
Learn More About Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day 2020 presents an opportunity to learn more about our military history and the lives of our veterans through online resources and in our local communities.
You can safely educate yourself through resources available from Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian War Museum. Many local military museums and exhibits also remain open and operational under COVID-19 guidelines.
Postcards for Peace
During difficult times, feeling a stronger sense of human connection is important for all of us. For young people, learning about the sacrifices and achievements made by older generations can help grow their appreciation for their country and own circumstances. The Postcards for Peace program encourages students to send messages of gratitude and respect to veterans and current members of the Armed Forces, to thank them for their service. While generally organized by teachers, you can also use the Postcards for Peace guide to organize letter writing in at own home.
This November, we hope you will join us in reflecting on the contributions made by our service men and women, the unique challenges they face, and honouring the lives that have been given in service.
To all the veterans and service women and men in our communities, we thank you for your service. As a small token of our appreciation, we hope you will join us at any ONroute location on November 11th for a complimentary coffee or beverage to show our gratitude.