When I arrived in Vancouver, Canada, in 2022, I knew there would be differences in culture and traditions. Adjusting to life here has been an adventure full of discovery and learning, from small daily customs to deeper historical and social commemorations. One of these, Remembrance Day, was something I’d heard about but didn’t fully understand until I experienced it firsthand here.
As a South African, I was raised with a complex relationship to history, where commemorations often carry profound layers of personal and collective memory. But when November approached in Canada, I began to notice the red poppies appearing on people’s lapels, hear conversations about military service, and see solemn reminders of the importance of this day. Remembrance Day is the Canadian day of reflection for those who served and died in the line of duty, and its presence is deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian society.
Unlike Canada, South Africa doesn’t observe a national Remembrance Day. So, when I first noticed people wearing poppies, I wasn’t fully aware of their significance. Soon enough, through conversations and a bit of research, I learned that Remembrance Day is observed on November 11th at 11 a.m., marking the end of World War I in 1918. Canadians, alongside Commonwealth nations, take this moment to honour the courage and sacrifice of their military forces. This day is more than just historical remembrance; it is a day to pay respect to those who believed in the ideals of peace and freedom and put their lives on the line for them.
The more I learned, the more I saw the parallels and contrasts with the way we, as South Africans, remember the sacrifices of our own people. Growing up with a background steeped in the history of apartheid, the idea of remembrance was often tied to overcoming oppression and recognizing those who fought for freedom and justice. Here in Canada, Remembrance Day carries that same essence but is specifically about the contributions and sacrifices of military service members in various wars over the last century.
Coming from a background shaped by its own history of struggle and resilience, Remembrance Day has taught me a great deal about Canada’s values and how Canadians honour those who served. The day is about more than reflecting on military history—it’s about acknowledging a collective commitment to remembering the past in order to shape a better future. It underscores the importance of community, unity, and the ongoing pursuit of peace, values that resonate universally and transcend borders.