Remembrance Day & the Modern Canadian Army

Remembrance Day has changed a lot in recent years. As the veterans from World War I and II and the Korean War have largely passed away, more attention is focused on our modern Canadian army. Afghanistan, Kandahar — the troops who served during these conflicts suffered greatly and deserve both our gratitude and respect. Remembrance Day is a chance not just to remember those who have passed away, but also to support our modern-day veterans.  

In 2010, the last Canadian veteran from World War I passed away. Veterans from World War II and the Korean War are on average between 84 and 92 years old, and so, the natural progression has been to hold services that also pay tribute to our modern-day veterans. 

There are over 600,000 modern-day vets. A number that is approximately nine times larger than the number of veterans from World War II and the Korean War. Though our country is peaceful, the Canadian Armed Forces are still out there carrying the torch for peace.  

We’d like to take a moment to remember all the Canadians who have passed away in recent years in service to their country. Between 2002 and 2012, 158 members of the Canadian Armed Forces gave their lives while in Afghanistan or on peacekeeping missions. Active combat is not so far off as it may seem to your average Canadian.  

This demographic calls attention to the need for support programs for veterans. Our modern troops need help transitioning back into civilian life, finding meaningful careers after service and coping with trauma, injury and disability. These issues are very much pertinent today. To learn how you can contribute to supporting our veterans, click here.  

This Remembrance Day, the team at VanGo was honored to attend the ceremony at Victory Square in Vancouver. For a video of our experience, click here.

The incredible sense of community at the ceremony, the gathering of Canadians from all walks of life, the stories — it was truly a special experience and we feel blessed to be a part of such a beautiful and diverse country. We are also grateful for our modern Canadian army. The freedom and peace we enjoy is thanks to them, as well as the troops who came before them. We can’t say thank you enough.  

"Our military history belongs to all of us, it is something that we all share, and can all understand and celebrate in our own way."