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Two Minutes of Silence

The most sacrosanct and central element in Remembrance is the Two Minutes of Silence.

At the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month, the month, day and time in 1918 when the First World War ceased hostilities, Canadians pause to observe two minutes of silence to honour the Fallen, and recognize the sacrifices of all who served.

Ceremony and symbolism

The Two Minutes of Silence is a poignant moment in the Remembrance Day Service that incorporates symbolic association in a brief, non-religious ceremony.

The Last Post

A bugler plays The Last Post, signifying the calling home of the spirits of the Fallen to rest. The Last Post originally was played to signal the camp was secured for the night. It was also played to call out to wounded or separated soldiers at the end of a battle, to guide them home to safety and rest.

Two Minutes of Silence

At the stroke of eleven, Canadians across the country join to collectively pause for two minutes of silence to honour, thank and remember the Fallen. This sacred moment also symbolizes Canada standing sentry in silence as the Fallen rest.

The Lament

At the National Remembrance Day Ceremony, a bagpiper plays The Lament, symbolizing the sounds of spouses and children crying over their dead.

The Rouse

The end of the two minutes of silence is signaled by the bugler playing the Rouse. The Rouse was originally used to wake soldiers. In this ceremony the Rouse wakes the Fallen and rises them above their mortal duties to rest in peace.

The Act of Remembrance

The symbolic ceremony finishes with an officiate reciting of the Act of Remembrance.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

To which all participants respond with "We will remember them."