Making Time To Remember

Have you ever wondered why Canadians and Americans don’t celebrate Thanksgiving at the same time?

Following the Great War in 1919, the Parliament of Canada, like other countries of the British Empire, passed legislation to mark November 11th as Armistice Day.

The day was intended to celebrate the Allied victory in the First World War but quickly became a day of remembrance for those who had died in WWI and conflicts before.

At the time, Thanksgiving was celebrated on the second Monday in November and this put the two occasions on the same date much of the time. Activities of remembrance often conflicted with the celebration of Thanksgiving.

Many Canadians are not aware of a campaign that started in 1928, by many veterans and their families, to change the date of Thanksgiving Day.  Early remembrance ceremonies were observed primarily within the military community but with the passage of time it became an occasion for the general population to show appreciation and remembrance.

In 1931, Parliament decreed that Armistice Day would become known as Remembrance Day and be marked on November 11th every year. It reflected the public sentiment that the occasion should focus on the memory and sacrifices of those who served and died in defence of our nation instead of celebrating the political and military successes that lead to victory in WWI.

At the same time, they decreed that Thanksgiving would be moved to the second Monday in October. In the United States, Thanksgiving is still celebrated in November and they conduct their remembrance activities during the Memorial Day weekend in May.

This November 11th, Canadians will again pause to remember those who bravely volunteered at great risk to serve Canada, to go abroad to fight hate and oppression and to protect our peaceful nation.

Lest we forget.