Remembrance Day: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Poppy
Remembrance Day: Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Poppy
The Office of Student Academic Services in collaboration with the Sonia Bujold Initiative has put together a lovely free online booklet about Remembrance Day. Learn about the history and the people behind Remembrance Day and the symbol of the poppy. The booklet also includes the stories of six Canadian animals who served alongside our men and women.
Every year on November 11, on the eleventh hour, Canadians pause for two minutes of silence to honour and remember the men and women who have served, and continue to serve Canada during times of war, conflict, and peace.
We remember the more than 2,300,00 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history. We remember the more than 118,000 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
But often, the service of animals during times of military conflict goes unmentioned. Horses, donkeys, mules and camels carried food, water, ammunition and medical supplies to men at the front. Dogs and pigeons carried messages. Canaries were used to detect poisonous gas. Cats and dogs were trained to hunt rats in the trenches. Soldiers even used glow worms to read important messages or maps in the dark since they could not use lanterns at night because the enemy would see them.
Whether providing comfort, inspiration, or indispensable service, these animals played a crucial role in military and armed conflicts for centuries.
Join us in giving thanks and remembering.
- For children and adults of all ages.
- The activity booklet is available in both French and English.
- Register now to receive your booklet on Monday November 8!
- For questions or additional information, please contact ingrid.chiraz [at] mcgill.ca (Ingrid Chiraz).
- Registrations will be accepted through November 12.