1996 Remembrance Day Poster

Secretary of State (Veterans), the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay unveils the 1996 Remembrance Day Poster in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

On October 18, 1996 the Secretary of State (Veterans), the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, unveiled this year’s Remembrance Day poster in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. This is a yearly ceremony held annually in mid-October as a precursor to November’s Veterans’ Week ceremonies and Remembrance Day.

In a speech to assembled veterans, Veterans Affairs staff, and members of the public, Secretary MacAulay talked of the importance of the symbolism and tradition of the yearly release of the poster. Thousands of copies are sent out to schools across Canada to promote interest and discussion in Canada’s history in classes across the nation.

For the first time this year a giant version of the poster will be displayed on the side of the Confederation Centre, overlooking the Cenotaph. For the next few weeks the citizens of Charlottetown will have a large visual reminder of Remembrance Day whenever they walk by the Centre. A similarly large poster will also be displayed on the side of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa during Veterans’ Week.

Over the years the Remembrance Day posters have ranged from artists’ and photographic renditions of Canadian campaigns and battle scenes to the quiet moments in a service man or woman’s life while serving Canada, in peace and at war.

As you look at the poster and the photo of a First World War soldier in the trench, you can imagine him battling fatigue but yet still stealing a few minutes to record his experience or perhaps write to a loved one back home. The smaller photo features a youngster remembering those who fought for the preservation of peace by participating in a commemorative ceremony. Where the larger images remind of us of the bleakness and poignancy of the soldier’s experience, the smaller one emphasizes the importance of involving today’s youth in remembrance.

It is Veterans Affairs Canada’s aim to emphasize the importance of remembering the sacrifices of our service men and women over the first half of this century that have allowed us to live in peace and freedom in the last half.

Last year, during countless 50^th anniversary activities commemorating the end of the Second World War, thousands of Canadians came together in acts of remembrance and homage. Some of them were old enough to remember the mood and emotions that existed during the War and others were so young that this was the first time they were aware of the events of this important chapter of Canada’s history. We wish to continue to focus on the important role of Canada’s youth and this year’s activities are meant to encourage young Canadians to continue to learn about our military past.

We urge young Canadians to participate in Veterans’ Week activities so the memory of those who went to war is never forgotten and future generations of Canadians will continue to live in and strive for worldwide peace.

You might want to check out our Veterans’ Week page to find out about the exciting activities that are taking place across Canada during the week of November 3-11, 1996.

Should you have further queries concerning the poster or wish to obtain copies, please consult the blue pages in your telephone directory for the number of the Veterans Affairs Canada office nearest you.