How to Wear a Uniform on Remembrance Day

Military, Legion and some other uniforms are appropriate during Remembrance Day observances.

Remembrance Day is the Canadian equivalent of Veteran's Day in the United States, celebrated each year on Nov. 11. It's a statutory, or public, holiday in eight of Canada's 10 provinces and all three of its territories, as well as a federal statutory holiday. The day is marked by numerous national and local observances. Uniforms are commonly worn at these events, when applicable.

Remembrance Day

The First World War was noteworthy for its unprecedented carnage, which devastated an entire generation of European youth. Since that war ended on Nov. 11, 1918, most of the nations involved have marked the date by ceremonies honoring their fallen soldiers. Stylized poppies are a common symbol of the day, inspired by Canadian army doctor John McCrae's evocative poem "In Flanders Fields." They are worn on the lapel by veterans and the general public and often are placed at cenotaphs and memorials in tribute to the fallen. Those who are entitled to do so typically attend the ceremonies in uniform.

Active Duty

Serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces are frequently detailed to participate in public ceremonies on Remembrance Day. Parade dress uniforms are worn for the occasion. Remembrance day is one of the occasions each year when full medals are worn, where applicable, rather than the usual ribbons. Orders such as the Order of Canada may be worn around the neck with the cross showing, or up to four stars can be worn on the tunic. Decorations are worn in slightly different ways by the three services. Details are set out in a government document titled "Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals."

Royal Canadian Legion

The Royal Canadian Legion was established in 1926 as a social and advocacy organization for former members of the Armed Forces, but prior military service no longer is a requirement. On Remembrance Day and similar occasions, Legion members march in a uniform consisting of a navy blue single-breasted blazer with a matching beret, worn in military fashion. Military and Legion decorations are worn according to a set precedence, similar to the rules observed by serving members of the Armed Forces. Active Legion membership provides an avenue for those without a military background to become uniformed participants on Remembrance Day.

Other Uniforms

Former members of the Armed Forces are entitled to wear their former uniforms on Remembrance Day. Members of Reserve units and teen members of the three services' Cadet Corps also participate in local and national ceremonies in their respective parade dress uniforms. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police participate in the national ceremony in Ottawa in their signature red serge and also participate in many local events across the country. On a local basis, individual police departments, fire departments and other uniformed services may take part as a show of respect for the Armed Forces. Their uniform protocol varies from service to service.

References

• The Chancellery of Honours: The Canadian Honours System -- The Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals
• Royal Canadian Legion: Ritual and Insignia Manual
• Royal Canadian Legion: Background and History
• Department of National Defence: The Heritage Structure of the Canadian Armed Forces
• Department of National Defence: 11th November Remembrance Day Aide-Memoire