Veteran stories
Learn about those who flew into danger, carried others through enemy fire, and were wounded, but kept going.
GO Transit free companion fare
Veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces ride for free on GO Transit year-round. On Remembrance Day (November 11), they can have 1 companion travel with them for free.
Immediate family members of deceased veterans may also ride for free if carrying something to identify their relations to the late veteran, such as service papers or an identification card.
Learn more about GO transit fares.
Find a ceremony
Browse our map to find your local Remembrance Day ceremony.
Last updated: October 30, 2026
Note: event details are provided by The Royal Canadian Legion, and municipalities, colleges and universities across Ontario.
Ways to remember
Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week is a time to respect, reflect and remember.
It is a time to honour the fallen, reflect on the impact of armed conflict, and pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
From November 5 to 11, we encourage you to:
- wear a poppy
- observe a two-minute silence on November 11
- attend a Remembrance Day ceremony
- visit a memorial or war cemetery
- learn about those who served, including women, Indigenous people, Black Canadians, Chinese Canadians, Jewish Canadians and 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians
Special dates
- Remembrance Day and Veterans’ Week (ON): November 5 to 11
- Indigenous Veterans Day: November 8
- Remembrance Day: November 11
Two-minute silence
At 11 a.m. on November 11, pause and observe two minutes of silence in honour of those who died serving their country in wars and in peacekeeping efforts.
Ways to observe:
- sit or stand still
- if driving, pull over and sit quietly, if it is safe to do so
- announce the silence over the PA system in a business or school
- gather in common areas of an establishment
- briefly shut down assembly lines
Indigenous veterans
Indigenous Veterans Day is observed on November 8, to recognize the courage and sacrifice of First Nation, Inuit and Métis people in military service.
It is estimated that, in total, over 12,000 Indigenous people have volunteered their services on the front lines, serving in all conflicts that Canada has been involved in.
On the home front, Indigenous people donated large amounts of money, clothing and food to worthy causes. Indigenous women had important roles during conflicts — serving as nurses, air traffic controllers and radio operators.
Learn more about Indigenous veterans.
Queen’s Park ceremony
You’re invited to attend the Government of Ontario’s in-person ceremony to honour veterans and active service members.
Date: November 11, 2026
Time: 10:45 a.m.
Location: In front of the Ontario Legislative Building
111 Wellesley Street West, Toronto, Ontario
You may also watch the ceremony live on YouTube.
With sincere thanks to the organizations who support this event and contributed wreaths.
Wreaths
- The Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS Ontario Command)
- Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping (CAVUNP)
- Caribbean Consular Corps
- Consulate General of Austria
- Consulate General of Brazil
- Consulate General of Bulgaria
- Consulate General of Chile
- Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia
- Consulate General of Czech Republic
- Consulate General of Denmark
- Consulate General of the Dominican Republic
- Consulate General of France
- Consulate General of the Republic of Ghana
- Consulate General of Greece
- Consulate General of Germany
- Consulate General of the Republic of Guatemala
- Consulate General of Hungary
- Consulate General of Israel
- Consulate General of Italy
- Consulate General of Japan
- Consulate General of South Korea
- Consulate General of Kosovo
- Consulate General of Malta
- Consulate General of the Netherlands
- Consulate General of the Philippines
- Consulate General of the Republic of Poland
- Consulate General of Portugal
- Consulate General of Romania
- Consulate General of Serbia
- Consulate General of Sweden
- Consulate General of Türkiye
- Consulate General of Ukraine
- Consulate General of the United Kingdom
- Consulate General of the United States of America
- Malayan Volunteers Group
- Métis Nation of Ontario
- Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans' Council
- Naval Club of Toronto
- Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
- Ontario Construction Secretariat
- Ontario Black History Society
- Ontario Provincial Police Association
- Ontario Provincial Police
- Ontario Paramedic Association
- Ontario Teachers' Federation
- Ornge
- Ontario Association of Portuguese Veterans
- Royal Canadian Navy
- Soldiers' Aid Commission
- Toronto Paramedic Services
- Toronto Fire Services
- True Patriot Love Foundation
- United Empire Loyalists' Association of Canada
Veteran stories: learn more
Sergeant Aubrey Cosens
1921–1945
A member of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, Sergeant Aubrey Cosens displayed extraordinary courage during the Second World War in the Netherlands. After his platoon commander was killed and his unit suffered heavy casualties, he assumed command and led the attack on a series of fortified German positions. Advancing under intense enemy fire, he single-handedly cleared three enemy-held buildings, killing or capturing their occupants and securing a position vital to the success of the operation. Moments later, he was fatally shot by a sniper. For his exceptional gallantry, leadership and selfless sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for bravery.
Air Marshal William A. Bishop
1894–1956
One of the First World War's top flying aces, Billy Bishop carried out daring solo surprise attacks deep in enemy territory. His reputation was so feared that he was reportedly dubbed "Hell's Handmaiden" by the Germans. For his remarkable courage and service, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for valour. During the Second World War, Bishop became Canada's first Air Marshal, leading recruitment efforts and serving as Director of Recruiting for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Lance Sergeant Ellis Wellwood Sifton
1891–1917
One of the First World War's most courageous soldiers, Ellis Wellwood Sifton displayed extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Facing devastating enemy machine-gun fire, he charged across open ground, fought his way into a heavily defended gun position and single-handedly silenced the nest with grenades and his bayonet. After helping repel a fierce counterattack, Sifton was mortally wounded while securing the newly captured position. For his exceptional valour and selfless sacrifice in the face of overwhelming danger, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for bravery.
Corporal Harry Garnet Bedford Miner
1891–1918
One of Canada's most courageous soldiers of the First World War, Harry Bedford Miner displayed extraordinary bravery during the Allied offensive near Amiens, France. Despite repeated enemy fire, he single-handedly captured and turned a German machine gun against retreating forces, led attacks on additional enemy positions, and continued fighting after sustaining severe wounds. For his exceptional valour and selfless service, he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for bravery. Miner died from his injuries later that day, becoming one of Canada's youngest Victoria Cross recipients.
Private Jess Larochelle
1982–2023
On October 14, 2006, Private Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by an enemy rocket in Pashmul, Afghanistan. Although he was alone, severely injured, and under sustained enemy fire in his exposed position at the ruined observation post, he aggressively provided covering fire over the otherwise undefended flank of his company's position. While two members of the personnel were killed and three others were wounded in the initial attack, Private Larochelle's heroic actions permitted the remainder of the company to defend their battle positions and to successfully fend off the sustained attack of more than 20 insurgents. His valiant conduct saved the lives of many members of his company.
Lieutenant Samuel Lewis Honey
1893–1918
Lieutenant Samuel Lewis Honey (1893-1918) was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his exceptional courage and leadership during the Battle of Bourlon Wood in France. After his company commander and all other officers became casualties, he took command, led the advance, captured an enemy machine-gun position single-handedly, and helped repel multiple counterattacks. He continued to lead from the front in a series of successful actions until he was fatally wounded and succumbed to his injuries on September 30, 1918.