Remembrance Day in Unionville: History and Importance

Remembrance Day, known by different names such as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, is a significant and solemn event observed in several nations worldwide to honor and remember the soldiers who lost their lives in various wars. In this article, we’ll be examining the ceremony that takes place in Unionville, Ontario, and delving into its importance.

Historical Background of Remembrance Day

Poppy Day has its roots at the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, the Armistice was signed, bringing an end to the war. The first ceremony was observed in 1919, on the first anniversary of the Armistice. Since then, the event has become a day to honour all soldiers who died in wars.

In Canada, Poppy Day was officially established as a national holiday in 1931. Over the years, the significance of the ceremony has grown, and it is now an important part of Canadian history.

Symbols of Remembrance Day

Several symbols are associated with this day, including the poppy flower, the Canadian National War Memorial, and the Last Post.

The poppy flower has become a symbol of Remembrance Day because it was the only flower that grew on the battlefields of World War I. The Poppy Campaign, run by the Royal Canadian Legion, raises funds for veterans and their families by selling poppies in the weeks leading up to this day.

The Canadian National War Memorial, located in Ottawa, is an important monument that honours the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers. The memorial is the site of the national ceremony, which thousands of people attend yearly.

The Last Post is a bugle call that is played at military funerals and Remembrance Day ceremonies. It is a signal that marks the end of the day’s activities and is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Symbol	Description	Importance
Poppy Flower	The only flower that grew on the battlefields of World War I.	Raises funds for veterans and their families.
Canadian National War Memorial	An important monument that honours the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers.	The site of the national Remembrance Day ceremony.
The Last Post	A bugle call played at military funerals and Remembrance Day ceremonies.	A solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers.

Remembrance Day Ceremony in Unionville

The Remembrance Day ceremony in Unionville is a significant event that brings together the community to honour and remember the sacrifices of soldiers who died in wars. The ceremony is held at the Unionville Cenotaph, which is a monument dedicated to the memory of soldiers from the area who died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

The ceremony starts with a parade that begins at the Unionville Library and proceeds to the Cenotaph. The parade includes members of the Royal Canadian Legion, cadets, veterans, and other community groups. The parade is a solemn and respectful occasion, with participants dressed in full uniform.

After the parade arrives at the Cenotaph, the service begins at 11:00 a.m. The service is led by a local clergy member, who offers prayers and reflections on the sacrifices made by soldiers. The service includes the singing of hymns and the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

During the ceremony, wreaths are laid at the base of the Cenotaph by various groups and individuals, including veterans, local officials, and members of the community. The laying of wreaths is a solemn and meaningful tradition that honours the memory of those who died in wars.

The Last Post is played during the ceremony, which is a bugle call that marks the end of the day’s activities and is a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers. This is followed by a minute of silence, which is a time for reflection and remembrance.

The ceremony concludes with the playing of Reveille, which is a bugle call that signals the start of a new day. This is a symbol of hope and the possibility of peace in the future.

The Remembrance Day ceremony in Unionville is attended by veterans, members of the military, local officials, and members of the community. It is an important event that brings the community together to remember and honour the sacrifices of soldiers who died in wars.

Interesting Facts about Remembrance Day

There are many interesting facts and stories associated with this event. For example, in 2019, a Canadian veteran named Sydney Cole celebrated her 105th birthday on Remembrance Day. Cole had served as a nurse during World War II.

In 2014, a World War I veteran named Harry Patch passed away at the age of 111. Patch was the last surviving veteran of World War I from any country. His passing served as a reminder of the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who served in the war.
The Canadian War Museum, located in Ottawa, is a national museum that showcases Canada’s military history. The museum is a popular destination for visitors on this day.
The poem “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae has become synonymous with Remembrance Day. McCrae wrote the poem after the death of a friend during the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. The poem’s opening lines, “In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row,” are a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers.
The tradition of wearing poppies on began in Canada and was inspired by McCrae’s poem. The poppies are meant to symbolize the bloodshed and sacrifice of soldiers in wars.
The Royal Canadian Mint has produced a number of special coins to commemorate Remembrance Day over the years. These coins are often designed to honour specific battles or individuals who served in the military.
In addition to the national ceremony in Ottawa, many other communities across Canada hold their own ceremonies to honour their local veterans. These ceremonies often involve parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and speeches from local officials and veterans.
Another interesting fact is that the Royal Canadian Legion, which runs the Poppy Campaign, was founded in 1925 by veterans who wanted to support each other and their families.

The Importance of Remembrance Day Celebration

The ceremony in Unionville is an important event that honours the sacrifices of soldiers who died in wars. Through the symbols of Remembrance Day, such as the poppy flower and the Last Post, we are reminded of the sacrifices that were made. However, as we reflect on the historical background and symbols, we must remember that the ceremony is not just about the past. It is also an opportunity to honour present-day soldiers’ sacrifices and support veterans and their families.

It is a meaningful and important event that brings the community together to remember and honour the sacrifices of soldiers who died in wars. We must remember and support our veterans and their families and work towards a more peaceful future. As the famous quote goes, “Lest we forget.”