Armistice Day
Canada · 2026
About Armistice Day
Armistice Day, also known as Remembrance Day or Poppy Day, is observed on November 11th to commemorate the armistice signed between the Allied Forces and Germany on November 11, 1918, ending the First World War. It is observed in many countries as a day of remembrance for those who died in war.
The holiday is called Remembrance Day in Canada, Australia, and some other Commonwealth countries, and Veterans Day in the United States. In France and Belgium, where major battles were fought, Armistice Day (Jour de l'Armistice) remains a significant national holiday.
The red poppy became the symbol of Remembrance after World War I, inspired by the poem 'In Flanders Fields' by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, describing poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers in Belgium.
Quick Facts
- Date 2026
- November 11, 2026
- Day
- Wednesday
- Type
- Public
- Scope
- Regional
- Fixed Date
- No — date changes each year
- Traditions
- Two-minute silence at 11 AM · Poppy wearing · Wreath laying ceremonies · Memorial services
When is Armistice Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | November 11, 2025 | Tuesday |
| 2026This year | November 11, 2026 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 11, 2027 | Thursday |
How is Armistice Day Celebrated?
On November 11th at 11:00 AM, a two-minute silence is observed across many countries to honor the fallen. Remembrance ceremonies are held at war memorials, with the laying of wreaths — particularly poppy wreaths — a central tradition.
Poppies are worn in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries. The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal raises millions each year for veterans and their families.
Did You Know?
- •The armistice was signed at 5:45 AM but took effect at 11:00 AM — the 'eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.'
- •The red poppy symbol was inspired by John McCrae's 1915 poem 'In Flanders Fields,' written during the Second Battle of Ypres.
- •Over 20 million people died during World War I, the conflict Armistice Day originally commemorated.
- •The Unknown Warrior was buried at Westminster Abbey on Armistice Day 1920.
- •France makes November 11th a public holiday, with the Arc de Triomphe ceremony being among the most important national observances.
Regional Observance
Armistice Day is not observed nationwide — it applies to the following regions of Canada:
Other Holidays in Canada 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
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