Remembrance Day Fewer Canadian Veterans Remain to Share Their Stories
As Remembrance Day approaches, Canada reflects on the dwindling number of veterans able to share their stories from the Second World War. Once the largest conflict in history, the war ended 80 years ago, and only a few thousand veterans remain alive today.
Current Veteran Statistics
According to Veterans Affairs Canada, there are currently 3,691 living Canadian veterans from the Second World War. This total includes 667 women and 3,024 men. In addition, there are approximately 1,909 living veterans from the Korean War.
- Second World War Veterans: 3,691
- Women Veterans: 667
- Men Veterans: 3,024
- Korean War Veterans: 1,909
Historical Context
The Second World War took place from 1939 to 1945, resulting in more than 45,000 Canadian military deaths and over 55,000 injuries. Observing the transition from personal narratives to historical accounts highlights the importance of preserving these veterans’ experiences.
Challenges of Preservation
Historian Jeff Noakes from the Canadian War Museum emphasizes the gap between firsthand accounts and historical recollections. With each passing year, the opportunity to engage with surviving veterans diminishes:
“Even if you were five years old at the end of the war, you are now 85. This significant change reflects our growing distance from personal war experiences.”
In addition to military conflicts, Canadians endured rationing, restrictions under the War Measures Act, and the internment of Japanese and Italian Canadians viewed as potential threats.
Special Exhibition and Remembrance Events
The Canadian War Museum has initiated an exhibition titled “Last Voices of the Second World War,” featuring interviews and stories from some of the last remaining veterans. This exhibit will be available until January 18, 2024.
This year, Remembrance Day ceremonies will be led by Chief Justice Richard Wagner in place of Governor General Mary Simon, who is recovering from a respiratory virus. Notable attendees include Prime Minister Mark Carney, Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan, and Veterans Affairs Minister Jill McKnight.
During the ceremony, Nancy Payne, representing the Silver Cross Mother, will lay a wreath in honor of Canadian mothers who have lost children in military service.
Commemorations and Contributions
This year’s Remembrance Day also marks the 25th anniversary of the burial of the Unknown Soldier in Canada, commemorating over 118,000 Canadians who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. As the federal government acknowledges the contributions of the Canadian Armed Forces over the years, Lieutenant Colonel Carl Gauthier spoke of their ongoing dedication to service, stating:
“Canadian veterans have always stepped up for us and our neighbors, from flood relief to natural disaster responses.”
It is essential that we honor and remember the sacrifices made by veterans both past and present, as their stories remain a vital part of our national narrative.
