Remembrance Day is Tuesday, November 11. Around here, we always do something to honour the day, and remember (and recognize) all of the men and women who bravely fought, and continue to fight for our freedoms. This year, our schools are out both Monday and Tuesday, and we’ll be packing some activities into both days to remember why this Tuesday is not ‘just another day off school’.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
original photo credit: © shime – Fotolia.com
Events around town
City halls, legislatures, and various legions around town will hold Remembrance Day services today. You can find events by searching online for Remembrance Day and Your City Name (eg. Edmonton).
Televised events
If you are unable to make it out to an event, you can still watch the nationally televised Remembrance Day service held in Ottawa every year. Search your local television listings for more information.
Activities with kids
Making poppies: From using crayons to draw poppies on paper to play-doh poppies, there are numerous craft ideas that you can do with your kids to recognize and decorate your home for Remembrance Day. We will be using some red tissue paper for the petals and will secure them with black pipe cleaners. It’s something easy and the girls will be able to make a few each to place around the house.
Books
A Poppy is to Remember: A good friend of mine, Angie from Echoes of Laughter, suggested the book A Poppy is to Remember by Heather Patterson as a great read for kids. We will be heading out on Monday in search of this.
On Remembrance Day: Another book I found while searching online for the above is On Remembrance Day by Eleanor Creasey. It has received good reviews so Ill be checking for this one as well to add to our library.
Raise a glass
Available special to this year, Diamond Estates has their 1914 Honour (40% Riesling, 40% Gewurztraminer, 20% Chardonnay)) and 1914 Valour (50% Merlot, 30% Shiraz, 20% Gamay) wines. Fifty cents from each bottle sold through the LCBO, other provincial liquor boards, and the Diamond’s Winery Boutique will go to the True Patriot Love Foundation which is a national charity that honours the sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families in both times of peace and conflict.
1914 Honour and 1914 Valour wines will salute the 100th anniversary of the Great War (1914 – 1918) and the 150th Anniversary of Confederation, all of which contributed to Canada achieving nationhood and recognition as an equal amongst the leading nations of the world. The wines are positioned to support the efforts of the Federal Government, various Provincial Governments, Canadian Museum Association and Royal Canadian Legion in honouring these heritage events that continue to generate awareness about Canadian history.
I have had the chance to try both of these wines and, in addition to supporting a wonderful charity, they are both great wines to have either on their own or with a meal.
Start the conversation
Depending on your child’s age, there are many different conversations you can have about this special day.
- What is a Peacekeeper and how your child can be a peacekeeper during their day
- Read and discuss In Flander’s Fields
- Talk about any family members who played an important part in our military
- Older teens and young adults are able to discuss world events, and Canada’s role in them
Sheri publishes, and writes at This Bird’s Day where she shares all of the thoughts in her head without the voices. Sticking mainly with content for Canadians, Sheri shares family stories, product information and anything that fits into her (and her family’s) daily activities.
