Almost half of Canadians plan to attend Remembrance Day service: survey

Remembrance Day is just a couple of days away, and according to a new survey, done by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Foundation, almost half of Canadians plan on attending a service Wednesday morning.

Specifically, 48 per cent, which is an increase from years past.

The people who did the survey say they are happy with the results, and while 48 per cent may not sound like many people, that’s actually almost 20 million Canadians who said they will attend a Remembrance Day ceremony on Wednesday.

In previous years, it’s been as low as 30 per cent.

“It equals 20 million people in Canada, so we know that there are Remembrance Day ceremonies in every community — a civic centre, an arena, at the local cenotaph in a Legion hall,” said Jeremy Diamond, the RCAF Foundation CEO. “In our case, with the foundation doing it at a cemetery where there are a number of ceremonies going on, so there is the opportunity for people to go and spend that time.”

READ MORE: Local Remembrance Day ceremonies ahead of Nov. 11

Residents in Dundas spoke with CHCH News and said how they intended to spend Remembrance Day, including attending the local cenotaph, the Dundas Museum & Archives, or taking the time to handle errands instead.

“Also remember that a Remembrance Day ceremony is like 30 minutes,” said Diamond. “We’re not asking for a day, it’s not taking a week off work, so we’re hoping again that if people go to a cemetery, or go to a ceremony for Remembrance Day, that they have a meaningful experience. And those that can’t make it out, hopefully part of the other 50 per cent are still having that reflective time in their day.”

Over at the Dundas Legion, members say how important the day was to remember the people in the past who fought and gave their lives for the current generation.

Some people mentioned having family members who have served in the military, and feel they and others should be respected.

There are many Remembrance Day ceremonies happening all over Hamilton, and Halton, including a parade in Stoney Creek, and a parade in Dundas.

More events can be found on the City of Hamilton’s official Remembrance Day page here.

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