Once a year, on Nov. 11, Canadians observe Remembrance Day, a memorial dedicated to commemorating those who were lost in war and honoring all who served and continue to serve in Canada’s military.
Observed by several nations of the Commonwealth, the significance of the day—Nov. 11—lies in its century-old history. At 11 am on Nov. 11, 1918, the Armistice of Compiègne came into law, effectively ending all hostilities in World War I. Today, Remembrance Day is often marked with two minutes of silence around the same time, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
It is also known as Poppy Day, so named after the brilliant red poppy flower that often grows over land ravaged by war. The poppy began to signify remembrance after Canadian soldier and poet John McCrae put it to words in his best-known poem, In Flanders Fields. Since then, the remembrance poppy has become an international symbol of honour to the casualties of war.
Across Kamloops, B.C., and Canada more broadly, Remembrance Day is seen as a time to celebrate not only those who sacrificed themselves in service to the nation, but also to acknowledge their contributions to the peacetime enjoyed by all Canadians today. Though not every province in Canada observes Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday, B.C. does. This means that, come this Nov. 11, several businesses and schools will shutter in honour of the memorial day.
If you want to observe the memorial holiday in community with others, or hope to volunteer in honour of the troops, don’t fret. Several events and opportunities in Kamloops are always looking for people to drop by.
TRU Remembrance Day Ceremony
On Nov. 6, TRU will hold a Remembrance Day Ceremony at Student Street between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. The event will be hosted by the Multi-Faith Chaplaincy and Student Services, inviting TRU students, faculty, and staff to honour fallen, retired, and still-serving members of the Canadian military.
Kamloops Legian Poppy Campaign
The Poppy Campaign is a longstanding tradition held by the Royal Canadian Legion, where tens of millions of Canadians wear the poppy from the last Friday of October until Nov. 11. The poppy will serve as a visual pledge to honor veterans. This year, on Oct. 31, Kamloops’ local branch, the Kamloops Legian, resumes that tradition. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Monday to Friday, they will be at Seymour Square on Seymour Street. They are looking for volunteers to help deliver poppies or sit at the Poppy Tables. To volunteer, you can contact Val Davidson at 250-299-1276 or iamvaldavidson@gmail.com.
Colombo Lodge’s Remembrance Day Dinner and Dance
The Italian cultural centre, Colombo Lodge, will be hosting a feast on Nov. 10 in honour of Remembrance Day. According to their website, the event is promised to be one of “honour, reflection, and community.” The program hopes to bring the Kamloops community together as they honour those who risked their lives and continue to do so.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church’s ‘In Remembrance’ Concert
The annual ‘In Remembrance’ concert will take place at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Nov. 11 at 2 p.m., featuring Kamloops-based chamber choir the Cantabile Singers. This will be their 15th year performing at the event and bringing the community together in remembrance of fallen soldiers. The event will feature performances of notable works from Mozart, Howard Goodall, and the world premiere of several works from local composer Ryan Noakes.