Artwork created by a Grade 8 collaborative project from Christ the King Catholic Elementary/Junior High School

During Veterans' Week, Canadians come together in communities across the country to honour Veterans and Canadian military personnel. Each year during this special week and on Remembrance Day, we pay tribute to those who have served throughout our country’s long military history—from the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War to modern conflicts, humanitarian relief and peacekeeping missions.

Veterans want Canadians to understand the price of freedom. They are passing the torch to the people of Canada so the memory of their sacrifices will continue, and the values they fought for will live on in all of us.

One way we can do this is to make Remembrance not just something we think about, but something we do. How? There are many ways: 

• Wearing a Poppy
• Saying “Thank you” to a Veteran
• Visiting a cenotaph
• Visiting the Canadian War Museum or local history museums
• Volunteering to help Veterans

Veterans' Week - November 5-11

Each year during Veterans’ Week, from November 5 to 11, Canadians remember and honour the brave individuals who served our country in the past, and we recognize those who serve in uniform today.

Our military personnel perform many important duties here at home, and generations of brave Canadians have defended our peace and freedom. They have also been deployed to dozens of countries to take part in wars, conflicts, peacekeeping missions, humanitarian operations, and other military efforts.

Our Job is to Remember. Thank a Veteran. Wear a poppy. Attend a ceremony.

Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8

Indigenous people have a long and proud tradition of military service across Canada’s history. More than 12,000 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people bravely enlisted during the First World War, Second World War, and Korean War. Many members of these communities have continued to serve with distinction in more recent years.

Chief Joseph Dreaver was a Veteran of both the First and Second World Wars. He made significant contributions as a soldier, a Veteran, and a leader in the Indigenous community. He was also “Grandpa Joe” to his family. Explore the symbolic meaning hidden in the painting “Dreaver” by artist Mike Holden.

Watch the video below to learn more about his life and the history of military service by Indigenous people in Canada. 

Learn More Chief Joseph Dreaver- primary medium button

No Stone Left Alone

Remembrance extends beyond our classrooms and school ceremonies. ECSD students take part in No Stone Left Alone, an initiative that gives young people an opportunity to honour Canada’s veterans through a simple but meaningful act of remembrance.

At Beechmount Cemetery, ECSD students have joined the No Stone Left Alone ceremony in the Field of Honour, placing poppies at the headstones of more than 4,000 members of Canada’s Armed Forces who are buried there.

The experience helps students connect what they learn about Canada’s military history with the people behind it. Standing among the headstones and placing a poppy gives students an opportunity to reflect on service, sacrifice, and the importance of carrying remembrance forward.