Vancouver will hold its Remembrance Day ceremony at Victory Square on November 11, marking a tradition that has been observed since 1924. Global News
Thousands of people will gather at Victory Square in downtown Vancouver on November 11, 2025, for the city’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony. The event, which has taken place every year since 1924, remains one of the most deeply respected traditions in British Columbia.
This year’s ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 11:30 a.m., bringing together veterans, families, students, and community members to honour those who served and sacrificed for Canada.
“Victory Square is such a beautiful place,” said retired Lt.-Col. Doug Poitras, who serves as the ceremony’s director. “Everybody gathers so closely, like being in a church or synagogue — it’s a heartwarming ceremony. The sights, the sounds, and the music all bring people together.”
A Ceremony That Grows With the City
For more than a century, Vancouver’s Remembrance Day event has evolved alongside the community itself. The ceremony now includes a school poetry contest, inviting students to express their gratitude through creative writing, as well as veterans’ parades representing military groups from different countries.
Poitras said these additions reflect how both Vancouver and Canada have changed over time, embracing diversity while maintaining the same spirit of remembrance.
“Especially here in Vancouver, where we’ve paraded numerous veteran groups from other countries, the ceremony has grown into something truly inclusive,” he said.
Poitras added that being the director of the event this year feels like an honour and a responsibility. “I’m deeply humbled to represent veterans and their families,” he said. “I hope it’s a heartwarming, maybe even therapeutic, experience for those attending.”
Remembering Canada’s Heroes
The ceremony will feature moments of silence, traditional hymns, and the laying of wreaths at the Victory Square Cenotaph. Attendees will include veterans from past and present conflicts, local leaders, and families of fallen soldiers.
Every year, the event serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom. Poitras emphasized that it’s not just about honouring history — it’s also about connecting generations and strengthening community spirit.
“Learn a little bit more about Canadian history,” he said, “and feel proud to belong to this community. Appreciate the peace we enjoy. Freedom is not free.”
A Place of Peace and Connection
Victory Square, known for its striking cenotaph and quiet green space, has become a powerful symbol of remembrance in Vancouver. On Remembrance Day, the area fills with music from marching bands, the echo of the Last Post, and the sound of people standing silently together in gratitude.
“It’s more than a ceremony,” said Poitras. “It’s a moment for reflection — a way for people to reconnect with what truly matters.”
