Nov 11, 2026

November 11th is Remembrance Day(Canada) and Veterans Day (USA). Canadians remember the fallen in two world wars and Americans honor all military both living and deceased. For both countries it is a solemn moment of reflection and thanksgiving. The holiday began as “Armistice Day” on November the 11th 1919, the anniversary of the end of the first World War, which took place at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Ceremonies of remembrance are marked with moments of silence, reading of scripture, prayer (usually the Lord’s Prayer), parades of present and former military men and women, and the wearing of red poppies in the UK, Canada, and several other present or former British colonies. Americans wear poppies on Memorial Day, the last Monday of May. The main message of the day is to respect those who serve and have served in protecting our freedom and to remind ourselves that we stand on the shoulders of those who paid the ultimate price that we might live. It’s a sacred day. When reading the Old Testament prophets one is struck by the consistent lack of memory on the part of Israel throughout her history. They forgot the God who delivered them from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. They forgot the covenant He made with them at Sinai. They forgot and often abandoned their divine deliverer to worship foreign gods. Remembrance gave way to idolatry. Remembrance Day not only reminds us of those who delivered us from the threat of Nazi despotism but should also remind us that humans have the sad tendency to forget. Ingratitude is often our default. We must remember to remember. Thank God for freedom. May we never forget.