Remembrance Day 2026 marks the centennial of The Royal Canadian Legion and reinforces Canada's

enduring commitment to honouring veterans, military personnel and

the Allied Merchant Navy and the American Merchant Marine Veterans

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – November 12, 2026 – On Wednesday, November 11, more than 35,000 Canadians gathered at the National War Memorial in Ottawa to honour the generations of men and women who served, sacrificed and gave their lives in defence of Canada, its allies and the freedoms enjoyed today.

Organized by The Royal Canadian Legion, the National Remembrance Day Ceremony brought together veterans, serving military personnel, government officials, diplomatic representatives, youth organizations and members of the public.

This year's observance held particular significance, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Legion (1926–2026), recognizing a century of service dedicated to veterans, their families and the preservation of Canada's military heritage.

A Nation United in Remembrance

The solemn ceremony included the traditional Veterans' Parade, the Last Post, a 21-gun salute, the Act of Remembrance and two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m.

Among those attending were Governor General Louise Arbour, Prime Minister Mark Carney, senior military leadership and representatives of Canada's veteran and diplomatic communities.

The 2026 National Silver Cross Mother, Virginia Hicks, laid a wreath in memory of her daughter, Sapper Mariebeth Short, and on behalf of mothers who have lost children in military service.

Following the ceremony, thousands placed their poppies upon the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in a moving collective expression of remembrance and gratitude.

Remembering the Allied Merchant Navy and the American Merchant Marine Veterans

Remembrance Day also provides an important opportunity to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Allied Merchant Navy and the American Merchant Marine Veterans, whose civilian mariners transported essential supplies, equipment, fuel and ammunition across dangerous oceans during both World Wars.

Their service was indispensable to the Battle of the Atlantic and the eventual Allied victory. Thousands lost their lives maintaining the maritime lifelines upon which the Allied war effort depended.

Through the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), established in 2003 and rooted in historical preservation initiatives dating to 1988, efforts continue to preserve their legacy and advance national and international recognition of merchant seafarers.

A central objective remains the universal recognition of September 3 as International Merchant Navy Day, building upon existing commemorative traditions and advancing cooperation with governments, maritime nations and international institutions, including the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations.

Preserving Their Legacy for Future Generations

As the remaining veterans of the Second World War pass into history, preserving their experiences and sacrifices becomes increasingly urgent.

Remembrance must extend beyond an annual ceremony. It must inspire historical education, intergenerational engagement and continued recognition of those whose contributions shaped our freedoms.

Through the MNCTP, the Colonel John Gardam Lifetime Achievement Award Institute, the Unsung Heroes Project and Memoria Global, ongoing initiatives seek to connect remembrance, historical preservation and community engagement.

The centennial of The Royal Canadian Legion serves as a powerful reminder that the responsibility to remember belongs to every generation.

Their service shaped our history. Their sacrifices helped secure our freedoms. Their legacy is our responsibility.

We Will Remember Them.

We Leave No One Behind.