Memorial Ideas for Veterans
It’s important to spend some time commemorating the brave Canadians who were willing to sacrifice their lives for our freedom. Canada has more than one and a half million citizens who served, and continue to serve our country. More than 118,000 men and women have died so that we can enjoy the peaceful and free country that we know today.
Remembrance Day is the most common day to honour our veterans, but they should be remembered outside of this special day, too. Here are some ideas of how to memorialize our brave veterans throughout the year:
1. Spend Some Time Reflecting:
Sit down and spend a few minutes reflecting about all the lives lost fighting for Canada’s freedom – and show your gratitude towards those veterans.
2. Visit Memorial Sites
A visit to your local cenotaph, or one of the Canada’s memorial sites such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be a touching experience.
Another memorial idea is to visit a cemetery, and try to find the grave of a veteran to pay respects to his/her memory. Look into whether adopting the grave of a veteran is an option in your community. If so, spend time taking care of the gravesite by pulling weeds, planting flowers, etc.
3. Share Memories by inviting a Veteran or a Canadian Armed Forces
to come as a guest speaker to your organization, following Veterans Affairs Canada “Canada Remembers” Facebook page and participating in group discussions/online forums about remembrance.
4. Research
Choose literature to read with a storyline based on remembrance or Canada’s involvement in war. Review the poem “In Flanders Fields” and read about the poem’s author, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Watch online interviews with veterans across Canada as well as archival footage. Search the Canadian Virtual War Memorial for soldiers in your community or family who died in service.
5. Write
Receiving a letter from home can make a huge impact in a soldier’s daily life. Participate in the “Postcards for Peace e-cards” or “Valentines for Vets” projects and write a heartfelt letter or valentine to Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces members.
6. Be Active
Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, wear a poppy and lay a wreath at a cenotaph. Show your respect and pause for two minutes when the clock strikes 11:00am on November 11th. Check out the City of Hamilton’s listing of Remembrance Day ceremonies to find a service close to you.
Most importantly, we at Circle of Life Cremation and Burial Centre Inc. urge you to never forget the sacrifices and contributions that numerous men and women made while serving Canada during war, military conflict and peace.
