Remembrance Day in the Classroom

IN-PERSON EVENT 1. Welcome As a Remembrance Day event is a sombre commemoration, an opening address that sets the tone for the event is important. Once all participants have arrived, the MC should welcome them to the event. Consider including a land acknowledgement with the welcoming address. A land acknowledgement recognizes a treaty territory or traditional territory of the Indigenous peoples where you are holding the ceremony. Invite an Indigenous Elder, a member of the local Indigenous community, or someone from a local Indigenous veteran’s group to perform the land acknowledgement. If you are unable to find an Indigenous Elder or community member, the MC may give the land acknowledgement. 2. O Canada Consider playing the national anthem from a recording or have a student(s) perform the national anthem. Please asks your audience and guest(s) to remove hats and stand for the national anthem, if they are able. English: O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all of us command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. 3. Last Post The Last Post was played in conflicts to symbolize the end of day or watch for soldiers. It is now played during Remembrance Day events to symbolize death. The Last Post should be played by a bugler, live or by pre- recorded audio. If no bugler or bugle recording is available, this part of the program should be omitted. 4. 11 a.m. – 2 minutes of silence At 11 a.m., if possible, observe two minutes of silence to remember the sacrifices of those who have served on behalf of Canada. If you are unable to hold your ceremony in the morning, consider including the moment of silence anyway as part of your event. During the silence, no music or sound whatsoever should be played. If technology allows for it, include this 2 Minutes of Silence video from the Legion. 5. Reveille/Rouse Following the two-minute period of silence, “Rouse” should be sounded. 6. Remarks If guest speakers are to make remarks, have the MC introduce them to the audience. Connect with the guests in advance to make sure they know who the audience is and you know what they plan on discussing. Be sure to provide the audience with a warning if guests are to be discussing sensitive subjects. Remembrance Day in the Classroom A Teacher Resource Kit 6.