Veterans Week 2026
November 8 – 14 is Veteran’s Week!
During this time surrounding our day of Remembrance, November 11, we encourage all Canadians to explore ways to express unity, support, and thanks to our military members.
Each servicemember of the Canadian Armed Forces makes a commitment to our country: To defend its borders and its people. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of this duty.
If you want to express your support for our service members and our Veterans, past and present, here are some tips during this historic week.
The red poppy is a symbol of remembrance and gratitude. Officially adopted by The Royal Canadian Legion in 1920, the flower is remarked on by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae in their 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields.” Both the flower and poem have become international symbols for the tragedy of war and the value of the peace that follows.
Poppies are provided across the country by Royal Canadian Legion representatives and many participating Canadian businesses who raise funds in support of our Veterans. To wear a poppy, place it above your heart by pinning it to your lapel, or the left breast of your garment, in full view to others.
Many Canadians wear their poppies beginning on November 1st. Some begin earlier; This year The Royal Canadian Legion began observance on the 24th of October. It’s not too late to join in this observance, though! Poppies are worn until November 11 – Canada’s official day of Remembrance.
November 11 – also called Remembrance Day – is Canada’s memorial to those servicemembers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
The day reflects the end of hostilities of World War I, which would officially end in 1918 on “The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” Canadians and many of our allies mark the 11th as a day of observance and participate in local ceremonies.
Regardless of where you are this Wednesday, we encourage you to join in a key tradition: The moment of silence. On November 11th, please consider taking one full minute of silence, usually at 11am to match the end of hostilities. This act reflects both the silence of those voices who were lost to war, and the tranquility and peace their sacrifice earned.
It’s also tradition to stop wearing your poppies after Remembrance Day. Just as hostilities ended this day more than one hundred years ago, the 11th is also the end of this memorial period. The poppy is an honoured symbol, so please wear and dispose of yours respectfully.
On November 11th we give thanks to our fallen servicemembers, but that doesn’t need to be the end of your support for Canada’s Veterans.
Today, more than a hundred thousand personnel serve in the Canadian Armed Forces. Their mission is shared by family members, civilian supporters, non-profit peer organizations, and Canadian communities. Thousand of Canadians retire from their military career every year, and many re-enter the civilian workforce as skilled professionals and business owners thanks to their training.
When you buy from Veteran-Owned businesses you re-invest their hard-earned skills and military experience into your local economy. When you buy Canadian, you strengthen the communities our Veterans work in, learn from, stood guard for, and fought to protect.
If you’d like to learn more about your local Veteran Community, like how to support, donate, or participate in this important event, but aren’t sure how, tap into official local and regional groups like Veterans Affairs Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion.
Need a recap? Just remember:
- Wear a red poppy over your heart until November 11
- On November 11, at 11am, take one minute of silence
- Reach out to area’s military branch or Legion office to learn how you can participate or support your local military community
- Give thanks to those military members who sacrificed themselves for what we have today
Celebrate Canadian Veteran-Owned businesses with IWSCC on November 25.
