In many ways, Canada’s military efforts over the years can be seen as a “road to peace," and a journey that is ongoing with our Canadian Armed Forces serving in places all over the world, even today. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War that finally brought an end to four years of brutal conflict. Our service members displayed great courage during the war.
It is our duty to teach Canadian youth about the great sacrifices those men and women made for the values we now cherish as a nation. Parents and guardians are key players in passing the torch of remembrance. Engaging children in Remembrance Day activities can start at an early age.
Wearing a poppy and attending a Remembrance Day ceremony is a great way to honour those who served and died. This Remembrance Day, hundreds of ceremonies and events will be held across Canada. You may wish to check out our Macaroni Kid calendar of events to see what is taking place in your community.
The following are some activities that you can also easily do at home with your little one to mark Veterans’ Week from November 5 to 11 and remember all those who have served our country:
- Colour the poppy and discover why we wear it on November 11, Remembrance Day. You may also wish to read aloud the poem In Flanders Fields. The poppy has stood as a symbol of remembrance since 1921— partly as a result of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem.
- Discover the story of Teddy in the Trenches in the First World War and follow up with a word search;
- Learn about a foal that was born on the battlefield at Vimy Ridge and complete a colouring sheet of the baby horse with its mother and a Canadian soldier;
- Read about the combat boots that Canadian soldiers wore in the First World War, and complete a fun maze;
- Read about the Newfoundland dog Sable Chief who was a comforting mascot during the First World War at the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel in France, and follow up with a cruncher activity or colouring sheet;
- Watch Winnie, a short video about how during the First World War, a Canadian soldier's bear from Winnipeg becomes the object of adoration and inspiration for a young boy and his father, A.A. Milne while visiting a zoo in England. Learn more about Winnie-the-Pooh by visiting The Canadian Encyclopedia;
- Learn about the Victoria Cross (VC), and follow up with a Dot-to-Dot activity; or play the Victoria Cross Memory Game (print two copies of the game sheet double-sided and make sure every Victoria Cross recipients has a “clone”). During Canada’s last hundred days of the war, 30 individuals were awarded the Victoria Cross. (For younger children, you may want to begin with only 10 pairs).
- Make a wreath;
- Write an acrostic poppy poem;
- Read about the relatives of Win the bear, Bonfire Jr. the horse and Squeaker the pigeon who served in the First World War in Tales of Animals in War;
- Share photos of their remembrance projects using the hashtag #CanadaRemembers or share your thoughts about remembrance on the Canada Remembers Facebook page, as well as the Veterans Affairs Canada Twitter, YouTube and Instagram accounts. There is also the "Veterans Matter" mobile app to help you can find an event or remembrance ceremony near you;
- “Actively” remember the First World War by organizing an Alex Decoteau Remembrance Run, Walk or Wheel. Private Decoteau was killed during the Battle of Passchendaele. In his memory, Alex Decoteau remembrance runs/walks are held every year in his memory in different communities; and
- Learn about the graffiti that soldiers carved in the walls of underground tunnels during the war by reading Chalk it Up to Remembrance, and view a photo gallery of some of their sketches.
You may also wish to explore our Veterans’ Week materials for use in classrooms. Each year, six fictional animal characters from the “Remembrance Clubhouse” present a fresh edition of the newspaper Tales of Animals in War, to introduce elementary school students to the concept of remembrance in a non-threatening manner. Another activity booklet, Take Time to Remember, is also available for primary the age group. For older youth, check out the Canada Remembers Times newspaper.
There are many ways to honour the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.
How will you and your family remember?
