25 Ways to Take Part in Veterans' Week

Each year, Canadians pause on November 11 to remember the veterans who served our country in times of war during the 20th century — the men and women who died or risked their lives while serving in the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Merchant Navy, and with peacekeeping forces. We also remember the men, women and children who rallied to support Canada's war efforts in countless ways in homes, businesses, factories, voluntary service organizations and schools across the country.

Through the yearly celebration of Veterans' Week, we have a unique opportunity to better understand the achievements of men, women and children of all ages, from all backgrounds and in all areas of endeavour, who contributed wherever they were needed in wartime.

Getting involved is the first step towards remembering the past, understanding the present and facing the future. This page is designed to help you make the most of Veterans' Week. It is full of suggestions for activities that can be undertaken at work, at home, anywhere and at any time. Make these your starting point to remember the spirit of a time when Canadians fought for peace and liberty.

1. Pause with colleagues and staff in the "2-Minute Wave of Silence" at 11:00 a.m. on November 11 for the men and women who served our country during wartime.
2. Attend commemorative ceremonies at the local cenotaph.
3. Watch the national Remembrance Day services on television and remember that the National War Memorial in Ottawa is dedicated to those who served in time of war.
4. Wear a poppy in tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for freedom.
5. Ask a veteran to come in to your place of work and speak about the battles fought in distant parts of the world. Share this story with your children, your local newspaper or radio station, historical society or archives.
6. Hold an event to honour the contributions of current or past employees who are veterans or who have family members who served our country during wartime. Draw parallels with their achievements to emphasize how we have built upon their contributions.
7. Plan a candlelight tribute to commemorate a special anniversary with one of the regiments, air force groups or naval associations in your area. Visit Veterans Affairs Canada's Web site for links to veterans' groups and organizations.
8. Invite a speaker to review the role your company or association played during the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War or the Gulf War.
9. Spread the word about Veterans' Week in your company's or organization's newsletter and in articles in local and community newspapers, church bulletins, as well as in your personal letters.
10. Add an insert to employees' pay envelopes. It can tell of Canadian veterans' wartime experiences as described here on Veterans Affairs Canada's Web site. It can provide facts and figures relating to different campaigns. It can challenge the reader through a quiz.
11. Launch a creative writing or poster competition in your company or association. Ask participants to illustrate the roles that Canadian men, women and children played in the different conflicts over the years. For more information on this, see the Royal Canadian Legion Web site at: www.legion.ca.
12. Organize a lunchtime discussion on how the wars still have an impact on our lives today.
13. Show a film or video on the part Canadians played in different conflicts and in maintaining world peace. Contact the National Film Board at 1-800-267-7710 for the location of libraries that carry their films and videos. Obtain copies of films and videos from the War Amps at 1-800-250-3030.
14. Encourage your local public library or archives, both important resources for community history, to create a display of wartime memorabilia (for example, photographs, uniforms, badges, military medals and decorations, diaries) in your office complex. Or have employees create a display using photos and memorabilia from family members.
15. Hold a series of readings during the Week on books by or about veterans and the wars.
16. Get a group together and perform a skit, recreating an event or just a day in the life of Canadians at war.
17. Organize a walking tour of historic sites related to veterans' achievements in your community, for example businesses, hospitals, museums, grave sites, etc.
18. Contact your local Royal Canadian Legion Branch, local historical or genealogical society, the history department at a nearby university or community college, or local veterans' groups for information and speakers. Bookmark Veterans Affairs Canada's Web site for links to veterans' organizations.
19. Visit a veterans' residence, senior citizens' residence or nursing home to talk to older men and women about their lives and experiences during times of war.
20. Get in touch with a member of the Canadian Forces either in Canada or overseas. All the addresses for Canadian Forces bases and overseas operations are listed on the National Defence Web site at www.forces.gc.ca/site/community/messageboard/index_e.asp.
21. Ask your local school board, a trustee or teachers to use the school resources provided free each year by Veterans Affairs Canada in the classroom.
22. Return to Veterans Affairs' Web site regularly for news, information and ideas on how you can mark Veterans' Week each year.
23. Obtain free information material from the nearest Veterans Affairs Office.
24. Feel free to print this page and help spread the word about Veterans' Week.
25. Use your imagination! And share your ideas with us.