Figure 1.--Toronto and other canadian cities exploded when news of the Armistice arrived (November 11, 1918). Honoring the men who fell im World War I began as Armistice Day. It is now observed as Remenerance Day for all veterans. Canada's role in Workd War I in many ways marked the emergence of a colonial possession to a modern nation. It was decided that Remembrance Day would emphasize the scarifice of the fallen World War I soldiers. This was extended to World War and other vetrrans. Honoring the sacrifice of the fallen and other veterrans of course is important. Often loss in these celebratioins is what these brave men achieved--the destruction of German militarism and the great totalitarian powers of the 20th century (Fascisdt Italy, NAZI Germany, mitaristic Japan, and the Soviet Union. This was an achievement of incaluable service to humanity and is usually forgotton in the obsservations by not only Canada, but akso America, Britain, Austrakia, and other Western countries.

Particularly notable is Remembrance Day whuch honors Canadian veteransm but iun many ways marks when Canada emerged as a nation on the world stage. Rememberence Day began as Armistice Day to honor the sacrifice orginally in World War and gradually expanded to World War II and other veteranss (Noember 11). Perhaps more than Canada Day, however, it is essentially began as a World War I remenberence. Less understood is how Cnanada's World War I role began the transition from colony to nation. Armistice Day marks the the end of hostilities on the Western Front during World War I (November 1, 1918). This was initially a British Empire celbration to be celebrated on the second Monday in November. The Canadian Parliament for whatever reason decided in Armistice Day bill to observe the first Monday in the week of 11 November 11 (1921). This mean that Armistice Day was combined with the Thanksgiving Day holiday. Thius for most of the ensuoing decade, Canadians observed the Armistice with little public demonstration. Mostly veterans and their families gathered in churches and around local memorialswgich bedgan to spting up. The general public commonly did not get involved. Veterans and otyhers were offened by this and began to demand a greater recognition. The name of the the onservatioin was changed to Rememnbrance Day,. The Federal Government decided the observation should occur on 11 November (1931) And they moved Thanksgiving Day to October. It was decided that Remembrance Day would emphasize the scarifice of the fallen World War I soldiers. This was extended to World War and other vetrrans. Honoring the sacrifice of the fallen and other veterrans of course is important. Often loss in these celebratioins is what these brave men achieved--the destruction of German militarism and the great totalitarian powers of the 20th century (Fascisdt Italy, NAZI Germany, mitaristic Japan, and the Soviet Union. This was an achievement of incaluable service to humanity and is often lost in the obsservations by not only Canada, but akso America, Britain, Austrakia, and other Western countries. Too often we here is that war is pontless and the soldiers died for nothing. War is ceratinly terrible, but is is hardkly pontless when you consdider what life would be liked today if these horific totalitarian regimes had prevailed.

Created: 10:18 AM 3/9/2022
Last updated: 10:18 AM 3/9/2022