Canadians have never shied away from honouring Remembrance Day, but a new poll suggests there’s growing interest in paying tribute to fallen soldiers.
An Ipsos Reid poll found 30 per cent of respondents to an online survey had plans to attend an official ceremony to honour the country’s armed forces this Sunday. That’s up from 22 per cent in 2010, and 16 per cent in 2008.
The Historica-Dominion Institute says the numbers show Remembrance Day has appeal across generations.
“Some people, who are keen about Remembrance Day, feel that way because of their family, because somebody fought in previous wars,” the institute’s Anthony Wilson-Smith told the Canadian Press. “Young people look and say, ‘oh my gosh, people my age have been fighting in Afghanistan, or in other conflicts.’ So, you see this continuum no matter what your age.”
Wilson-Smith said attending official ceremonies is a moving experience for Canadians.
“Nov. 11 has a tremendous degree of ceremony and circumstance and these really touching gestures, such as the moment of silence, that lift it over and above everything else. I think all that’s attached to that will mean it will always stand out as a special day.”
Speaking to Haligonians, few people told News 95.7 they would be attending official events, but all agreed Remembrance Day was top of mind.
“I will be working,” said Mohammed Ameen. “I think it’s good to appreciate the job they did and remember the history. It’s good to keep it for the kids and keep it for the next generation.”
“I’m travelling home,” said Russ Mullen. “I haven’t lost anybody in the wars, but I do appreciate what they’ve done for me and what they’ve done for the rest of the country. A lot of them have sacrificed more than they should have, the ultimate price.”
The survey also found 80 per cent of respondents plan to wear a poppy in the run up to Nov. 11.
The poll also suggests there’s a growing interest in making Remembrance Day a national holiday.
“I don’t think we should,” said one man. “It’s to remember these guys, not just so we can have a holiday.”
Of the people surveyed, 85 per cent say they’d like to see the day made a statutory holiday across the country.
A man pauses as he touches the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after placing his poppy on top following Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa Friday November 11, 2011. Polls taken in previous years show that number has been steadily rising. Only 16 per cent of those surveyed in 2008 planned to attend a Remembrance Day event, but the number climbed to 22 per cent in 2010 and has risen a further eight points since then. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
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Desiree Finhert with files from the Canadian Press
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