The Canada Remembers Program endeavours to keep alive the achievements and sacrifices made by all those who served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace, and to promote an understanding of the significance of these efforts in Canadian life as we know it today.
Memorials: To ensure the preservation and presentation of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial and the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France and 11 other battlefield memorial sites in France and Belgium. Canada Remembers also has responsibility for ceremonies at the National War Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa, the Cross of Sacrifice in Arlington National Cemetery in the United States and other memorials in Canada and worldwide.
Memorials also include the Canadian Virtual War Memorial, an on-line registry of information about the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served valiantly and gave their lives for Canada.
Cemetery Maintenance: To maintain Canadian war graves and cemeteries through partnerships with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The Program also cares for the graves
of Veterans who are buried at the expense of the Government of Canada.
Funeral and Burial Assistance: To provide funeral and burial assistance when a Veteran's death results from a pensioned or awarded disability, or when there are insufficient funds in the Veteran's estate. The Last Post Fund administers the Funeral and Burial Program on VAC's behalf. As not all Veterans qualify for funeral and burial assistance, contact the Last Post Fund (external link) for more information at 1-800-465-7113.
Cenotaph/Monument Restoration: To ensure that cenotaphs and monuments honouring Veterans, war dead, and significant military events are conserved at the highest standard of care and dignity. To assist communities across the country to properly conserve these silent but powerful reminders of what Canadians accomplished and sacrificed for all of us.
Partnerships: To engage Canadians in remembrance, the Canada Remembers Program often partners with groups and organizations who share VAC's commemorative goals. Partnering includes establishing and fostering collaborative relationships, providing in-kind support, and when possible, providing modest funding to deliver remembrance activities and events at both the national and regional levels.
Ceremonies and Events: To provide a leadership role in conducting ceremonies and events across Canada and internationally that recognize and honour Canada's war dead and Veterans.
Major anniversaries of significant military events are marked by ceremonies overseas and in Canada. Each year, Veterans' Week (November 5-11) is also celebrated with many ceremonies and events.
Learning Initiatives: To provide both learning opportunities and learning materials that enable Veterans to share their experiences with Canada's youth. These initiatives include information sheets, virtual tours and interactive exhibits.
Public Information: To provide information to Canadians through on-line initiatives, print materials, publications and multi-media. The Canadian Virtual War Memorial and the Heroes Remember on-line Veteran interviews provide new methods for Canadians to learn about Veterans and their contributions.
