At a Remembrance Day ceremony last year in Toronto, I reminded those gathered that Canadians made a solemn promise following the First World War — to never forget.
For more than a century, Canadians have gathered on Nov. 11 at cenotaphs, schools and community centres to mark Remembrance Day. These traditions — poppies, two minutes of silence and parades — remain vital symbols.
But as generations pass and conflicts fade from memory, the ways we honour our veterans and preserve their legacy must evolve.
Programs and policies aimed at youth engagement and education are essential. Schools and youth organizations are uniquely positioned to cultivate an understanding of service and sacrifice.
Beyond teaching classic poems like In Flanders Fields, educational initiatives can integrate personal stories of veterans, encourage field trips to museums and memorials, and host discussions on the moral and societal impacts of war. Programs that connect students directly with the lived experiences of those who served help transform remembrance from abstract ritual to tangible national understanding.
Digital tools offer additional avenues. Interactive archives, virtual reality experiences and multimedia storytelling can bring history to life.
At the RCAF Foundation, initiatives such as the podcast series Pathway to the Stars and the interactive project Vimy: A Living Memorial allow Canadians to experience our shared history year-round. Federal support for such projects ensures that remembrance is accessible to all citizens, online and within communities.
Canada’s growing diversity also calls for inclusive national remembrance initiatives.
Nearly one in four Canadians is foreign-born, and many communities have distinct cultural and historical perspectives on military service. Inclusive policies and programs that recognize the contributions of Indigenous soldiers, Black Canadians, Chinese Canadians and others ensure the full scope of Canada’s military history is honoured.
Remembrance must also extend beyond ceremonies. True remembrance is not only about honouring those who did not return — it is about ensuring those who did are supported and valued. Parliamentary oversight and sustained funding for veterans’ services demonstrate our nation’s commitment to keeping that promise.
Ultimately, the future of remembrance in Canada depends on the policies we implement today. By connecting past sacrifice with present values and future responsibilities, we ensure that national identity, civic engagement and collective memory remain strong.
Remembrance must be both solemn and dynamic, inclusive and forward-looking, rooted in tradition yet responsive to modern Canada.
This Nov. 11, as Canadians across the country pause to reflect, we must remember that the promise to never forget is not merely ceremonial — it is a call to action. We can honour those who served while preparing the next generation to carry that legacy forward.
