by Jaimela King

Created on: November 12, 2009   Last Updated: November 17, 2009

Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day and Veteran's Day, is celebrated in many countries around the world. Remembrance Day recognizes the sacrifices made by our military forces in wartime. The date celebrated is November 11th in most countries and the date is significant because World War I ended the 11th hour of the 11th day on the 11th month.

In Canada, Remembrance Day is a Civic holiday. Businesses can choose to open on Remembrance Day but not before 13:00. All government departments are closed and bus service runs on a Sunday schedule. Provinces in Canada can also choose to observe November 11th as a holiday or not. Some do, others like Ontario, do not have a holiday on Remembrance Day.

Official ceremonies are held at war memorials throughout the country. Laying of the wreaths is a common part of the ceremony and poppies are worn by many. In the capital region, Ottawa, the celebration is held at the war memorial and attended by top government officials, the premier, the lieutenant governor, and at times, visiting royalty. Veterans are also in attendance as are military personnel onlookers and special guests.

Remembrance Day in the United Kingdom is observed on the 2nd Sunday in November. The main ceremony which is held in London at the Cenotaph in Whitehall is attended by veterans, veteran associations, members of all services and officiated by the Prime Minister, Government Officials and Members of the Royal Family. The ceremony officially begins at 11 AM and a two minutes silence is followed by the firing of cannons.

In the United States, Veteran's Day, is remembered on November 11th. It is a federal and a state holiday when Americans unite to thank and honor those who keep the nation safe in war and peace. Americans attend ceremonies that honor veterans across the country. One of the main ceremonies is held at the Arlington National Cemetry. A color guard is in attendance and includes representatives from each of the military services. The guard honors the war dead in a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Remembrance Day was celebrated in Bermuda up to 1995 with a colorful parade that included representatives from British, US and Canadian servicemen. The parade was followed by a march to the cenotaph where ceremonies are held and wreaths are laid. Since the closing of the US, Canadian and British bases in 1995, the tradition has continued. The Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps, war veterans, families, friends and associations take part in a parade and ceremony which includes laying of the wreaths.

Remembrance Day is celebrated in most commonwealth countries in similar fashion as it is celebrated in the United Kingdom, with some variations. In most of these countries, Remembrance Day is not a holiday, but observing the day with moments of silence, laying of wreaths and remembering the sacrifices made by service men and women, is common practice.

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