They served for freedom


Remembrance Day, Nov 11
On November 11 of each year, the Royal Canadian Legion holds memorial services across Canada to honour the Canadian soldiers who died in the two World Wars, the Korean war or the peacekeeping missions. This date represents the armistice of the first World War. Many Canadians believe that the most important role of the Legion is to maintain the tradition of Remembrance day. The Legion’s Remembrance Day programs allow us to honour all the men and women who served and died in military service in the two World Wars, the Korean war as well as the peacekeeping missions. Every year, there are thousands of dollars and voluntary hours committed to carry out the Remembrance Day	Wreath laying, November 11^th 1992
programs and activities.	Photo: Legion archives
	The Poppy and Remembrance Day Campaign takes place every November just prior to Remembrance Day. The campaign aim is to raise awareness of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance Day. Proceeds from this campaign support veterans, ex-service members and their families who are in need. Since adopted, the poppy has become one of the most widely recognized symbols in Canada
Every year, the Legion also organizes a national poster and essay contest in schools. The goal of this activity is to try to make the youth understand what the more than 114,000 men and women who died in battle or peacekeeping missions have done for us. Every second summer, the Legion organizes a pilgrimage for youth leaders to Canadians memorials in Europe. The Legion also supports the Canadian War Museum and other military museums in Canada. The challenge facing the Legion today is to convince young people and future generations of the need to remember those who have died in the wars to give us peace. The majority of Canadians don’t recognize the horror of the wars because they have never been exposed to it apart from what is seen on the media.