45626270_250466222301196_4505069511208075264_n — Photo by Asante Brown

Every year on November 11th, Canada pauses for a moment of silence to honour the men and women who served, and continue to serve Canada during the times of war, conflict and peace. Seneca@York had a ceremony to reminisce about the forgotten heroes.

Historical Context

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month the First World War came to an end. The first time Remembrance Day was held under that name on November 11th 1931. The date was chosen as an extension of Armistice Day. Canadians honoured those who served with a poppy.

Lt. Col. John McCrae Source: Guelph Museum

The poppy’s connection to Remembrance Day can be traced back to Lt. Col. John McCrae a Canadian soldier in the First World War. He penned the poem in Flanders Fields after the death of his friend.

He noticed that poppies tended to grow over the graves of fallen soldiers in warn torn fields. The damage done to the battlefield made it almost possible for anything to grow except for poppies, which thrived in the environment. It has served as the symbol ever since.

Canada Remembers key players in World War 1

Canadian women have played an important role in our country’s military efforts over the years, this Remembrance day, not only do we remember the lives that were lost fighting in the front lines. We also remember the women who helped significantly on the home front and front lines. Belinda Huang, PhD. D in History and Professor here at Seneca College gave a mini lesson of the impact and contribution of women in World War One.

Indigenous people were also a key part of the Canadian Military during the World War 1. While the exact enlistment number is unknown, it is estimated that well over 4,000 Indigenous people served in the Canadian forces during the conflict.

Seneca Students share their views on the Flanders Field Poem

Veteran affairs Canada will be tweaking the Flanders Field poem because researchers say Canadians aren’t happy with the wording. veteran’s affairs will have three tweaked poems to use for Sunday’s remembrance day. Here is what Seneca students think about those changes.