A Prayer for Remembrance and Peace (Canada, 2025)

Almighty God,
We remember those who gave their lives for freedom,
and those who returned bearing wounds of body and spirit.
Grant them eternal rest, and grant us courage
to build a world of justice and peace.

We pray especially for peace in places still torn by war —
in Ukraine, in Gaza, and in all hearts longing for reconciliation.

May we never forget the lessons of sacrifice,
and may remembrance lead us always toward hope.

Amen.

Remembrance Day is a solemn national observance to honour the courage and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans, those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan, and peacekeeping missions. It’s a time to reflect on the cost of freedom and renew a commitment to peace.

Two Minutes of Silence – 11:00 a.m.

Across the nation, Canadians pause at 11:00 a.m. — the exact moment the First World War ended in 1918 — to remember the fallen. Workplaces, schools, and public spaces often hold short services or moments of reflection.

Poppies

In the weeks leading up to November 11, Canadians wear red poppies on their left lapel, inspired by Lt. Col. John McCrae’s poem “In Flanders Fields.” Donations from poppy sales support veterans and their families through the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poppy Campaign.

National Ceremony in Ottawa

The National Remembrance Day Ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, attended by veterans, military members, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, and thousands of citizens.
Highlights include:

• Wreath-laying by dignitaries
• The Last Post and Reveille
• The recitation of The Act of Remembrance
• Flypast by the Royal Canadian Air Force

Special Notes for 2025

• Ottawa Ceremony: Expected to feature special tributes marking 80 years since the end of World War II (1945–2025).
• Educational focus: Schools will emphasize peace education and stories from living veterans.
• Virtual streams: The Legion will again livestream the national ceremony for Canadians watching from home.

 

London Ontario planned events………

 

Main Ceremony at the Cenotaph (Victoria Park)

• Date & time: Tuesday, 11 November 2025 — 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. supportveterans.ca+1
• Location: The Cenotaph in Victoria Park, downtown London. supportveterans.ca+1
• Notes: All are welcome. The event includes the two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. supportveterans.ca
• Tip: Arrive earlier (10:15-10:20 a.m.) to secure good viewing, especially if you wish to lay a wreath or stand near the memorial. Dress warmly.

 

Service at King’s University College (at Western University)

• Date & time: Tuesday, 11 November 2025 — 10:50 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. kings.uwo.ca
• Location: Flagpoles in front of Wemple Hall, King’s University College. kings.uwo.ca
• Notes: A shorter, more structured academic/campus-based observance — good option for students or those near campus.

 

Ceremony at the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum

• Date: Tuesday, 11 November 2025. Eventbrite
• Location: At the Museum in London — (check exact address via their site)
• Notes: Additional opportunity for a remembrance event, especially suitable for veterans, military families, and those interested in regimental history.

 

Ceremony – Woodland Cemetery

• Date & time: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 — starting at 10:40 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery. Facebook
• Organized by: St. Paul’s Cathedral (London) together with the cemetery. Facebook
• Tip: Good for those preferring a quieter service away from the downtown hub; again, early arrival is sensible.

 

Additional Notes

• The Royal Canadian Legion website offers a tool to find many more local branch ceremonies (which may include smaller community or suburban events) across Canada. legion.ca
• Larger downtown event at the Cenotaph should be expected to draw a larger crowd — traffic and parking may be impacted.
• Wearing a poppy is a valued tradition (and often expected) at remembrance events.
• The two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m. is central to most ceremonies.
• Some events may require pre-registration (especially indoor or museum-based ones) — check with the hosting organization.

Here are several local ceremonies in and around London, Ontario for Remembrance Day 2025. I recommend verifying dates/times closer to November as some details may still change.

#	Location	Organizer / Branch	Date & Time*
1	Downtown London — Cenotaph in Victoria Park	City of London / Remembrance Committee	Nov 11, 2025 ~10:30 a.m. to ~11:20 a.m. supportveterans.ca+2supportveterans.ca+2
2	Royal Canadian Legion Branch 533 (Byron-Springbank)	Legion Branch 533	Nov 11, 2025 — Parade “Byron Remembrance Parade” at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday Nov 8 in community. rclbr533.ca
3	Royal Canadian Legion Branch 317 (Victory)	Legion Branch 317	Nov 11, 2025 — Service begins doors open 10:00 a.m. Facebook
4	Use the national locator tool	Royal Canadian Legion	Online: find other branch-ceremonies in the London & area. legion.ca+1

*Times may be approximate; check with the host branch.