Commemorative events

These events of remembrance occur every year.

9 April

Vimy Ridge Day

The Battle of Vimy Ridge was fought from 9-12 April 1917. Canadian soldiers from coast to coast to coast came together to achieve a remarkable victory.

29 May

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

More than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members have taken part in international peace missions since the late 1940s.

27 July

Korean War Veterans Day

More than 26,000 Canadian soldiers, sailors and aviators served in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953.

9 August

National Peacekeepers' Day

Canadian peacekeepers have served all over the world to restore and maintain peace.

3 September

Merchant Navy Veterans Day

The Allies could not have won the Second World War without the 12,000 brave Canadian Merchant Navy sailors who served in the Battle of the Atlantic.

15 September

Battle of Britain Sunday

The Second World War’s Battle of Britain took place in the skies above the United Kingdom in 1940. More than 100 Canadian pilots took part, and 23 lost their lives.

5 – 11 November

Veterans’ Week

Every year during the lead up to Remembrance Day on November 11, we honour those who have served Canada in times of war, military conflict and peace.

8 November

Indigenous Veterans Day

First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have a long and proud tradition of military service in Canada. Indigenous Veterans Day is a special opportunity to recognize their contributions and sacrifices over the years.

In 2025, we will commemorate many anniversaries and milestones, including events that reflect this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the Americas theme.

Other important events and milestones

9-16 February

2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia

Cheer on Team Canada at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver/Whistler. These games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of injured and sick Veterans, and those still serving in uniform.

5 May

80^th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands

Canadian forces played a major role in the Liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. The Dutch people have never forgotten the brave Canadians who helped them, and neither will we.

8 May

80^th anniversary of V-E (Victory in Europe) Day

8 May 1945 was Victory in Europe (V-E) Day. Crowds in Canada, Europe and Allied nations around the world celebrated the end of the Second World War in Europe.

28 May

25^th anniversary of Canada’s Unknown Soldier being laid to rest in Ottawa

In May 2000, the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in the First World War were repatriated from France. They were laid to rest with great ceremony in a special tomb in front of the National War Memorial in Ottawa.

7 June

100^th anniversary of the dedication of the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial

Located in northern France, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial honours all Newfoundlanders who served in the First World War. It stands on the site of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s most devastating battle of the conflict.

9 August

65^th anniversary of the beginning of Canadian peacekeeping efforts in the Congo

Since 1960, more than 2,500 Canadians have served in international missions to try to stabilize and bring peace to the Congo.

15 August

80^th anniversary of V-J (Victory over Japan) Day and the end of the Second World War

The Second World War ended on 15 August 1945 with the surrender of Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific. Canadians and people around the world celebrated the end of almost six years of bitter fighting.

19 – 20 September

110^th anniversary of the Newfoundland Regiment landing in Gallipoli

The Newfoundland Regiment took part in the Gallipoli Campaign from September 1915 to January 1916. Approximately 40 of its members lost their lives.

21 September

85^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain

In 1940, Canadian aviators helped defend the United Kingdom from aerial attack during the Second World War’s Battle of Britain.

In 2026, we will commemorate many anniversaries and milestones, including events that reflect this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in the Middle East theme.

Events for this year are yet to be determined.

In 2027, we will commemorate many anniversaries and milestones, including events that reflect this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Europe theme.

Events for this year are yet to be determined.

In 2028, we will commemorate many anniversaries and milestones, including events that reflect this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Asia theme.

Events for this year are yet to be determined.

In 2029, we will commemorate many anniversaries and milestones, including events that reflect this year’s Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Africa theme.

Events for this year are yet to be determined.