- 2024-11-05
- Campaign
Veterans’ Week 2024: A tribute to Canadian Armed Forces service around the world
Canadians have a long and proud history of serving their country with courage and selflessness, often far from home, in various conflict zones and domestic operations. Many of these service members have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Their bravery is a testament to their commitment to protecting our values and freedoms.
This year marked a significant milestone when we returned an unknown soldier to Newfoundland, a reminder of the countless lives lost abroad and the Families changed by their sacrifice. The Veterans’ Week 2024 theme, “Canadian Armed Forces around the world,” reminds us to reflect on those laid to rest across the world, their memories forever intertwined with the history of our country.
As part of Veterans’ Week, we must honour those who serve and have served. We also need to recognize our responsibility as Canadians to remember the sacrifices of those living with invisible wounds because of their service, including from the loss of their comrades. Their Families and friends will carry the memories of those who they have lost with them every day.
We will remember them.
Snapshots of their lives
Watch this year’s Veterans’ Week 2024 video to meet some of the individuals who gave their lives in service to our country.
Accessibility features: Closed captioning is available for this video. To enable this feature, select CC in the bottom-right of the video player.
Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on Operation LENTUS clear debris caused by Hurricane Fiona, in Burnt Islands, Newfoundland, September 30, 2022. Photo: Corporal Braden Trudeau, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician
© 2022 DND-MDN Canada
Canadian Armed Forces members of NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia move to engage United States Army 1-506th Infantry Regiment “Red Currahee”, 1st Infantry 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) acting as opposition forces during Exercise SILVER ARROW 2023 at Camp Ādaži, Latvia on 26 September, 2023. Photo: Captain Joffray Provencher, eFP BG Latvia Public Affairs and Imagery Section
© 2023 DND-MDN Canada
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces take their post as part of Exercise Crystal Arrow during Operation REASSURANCE at Camp Adazi, Latvia on March 22, 2023. Photo: Canadian Armed Forces Photo
© 2023 DND-MDN Canada
Members of the Kandahar Provincial Reconstruction Team conduct a site visit to the Afghan National Police Fire Brigade station in Kandahar City. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Staff Sgt. Al McCambridge and Sgt. Mike Davidson onload new uniforms for the Afghan National Police Kandahar Fire Brigade. Photo: Captain Dave Muralt
© 2010 DND-MND Canada
Reproductions of DND/CAF photos are copies of an official Work that is published by DND/CAF. They have not been produced in affiliation with, or the endorsement of, DND/CAF.
National Indigenous Veterans Day: Honouring First Nations, Inuit and Métis ways in military service
Throughout history, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans have made significant contributions to Canada’s military efforts and represent an important part of the overall Veteran community. Along with their fellow comrades in arms, they demonstrate extraordinary bravery and dedication to their shared mission and goals in service.
November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day. It is a day for Indigenous communities to thank and remember their Veterans in ways that are rooted in their own cultural practices, traditions and values.
It is also an opportunity for all to learn about and commemorate the sacrifices Indigenous Veterans and Families have made, often amid discrimination and inequitable treatment post-service. We honour the warriors who have given up their lives, those who have sustained service-related injuries and illnesses, as well as those who have experienced the loss of their culture and identity as part of their service.
We invite you to join us in reflecting on and exploring the stories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans:
- Indigenous Veterans: Read about the histories of Indigenous service.
- First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and their Families: Learn more about the contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Veterans and Veteran Families.
- Indigenous Peoples and Canada’s military: Explore the impacts of war and service for Indigenous communities.
- Indigenous Veterans Day marked at ceremonies across the country: Videos of National Indigenous Veterans Day ceremonies and interviews with Indigenous Veterans and Family members.
- Honouring their bravery and dedication: Indigenous veterans have their special day: First Nations Veterans share about their military service.
- Mission accomplished: Marking the resting places of Indigenous Veterans: Blog post about the Last Post Fund’s Indigenous Veterans Initiative, which works to ensure graves of Indigenous Veterans are properly marked.
Additional learning
Indigenous Canada: University of Alberta course providing context on systemic issues that affect Indigenous experiences in the CAF and post-service.
Ways to observe Veterans’ Week
- Attend a Remembrance Day ceremony on November 11: Wear a poppy, attend a ceremony and learn about the stories of Veterans who sacrificed for our freedoms.
- Watch last year’s Veterans’ Week video: Listen to the stories of Veterans and their Families, learn from their experiences and reflect on what each Veteran and their Family have given to us, as individuals and as a country.
- Remembrance Day video: Hear what Remembrance Day means to a Canadian Veteran.
- Ways to remember: Explore various ways to remember and pay tribute to those who serve and have served, beyond participating in Remembrance Day ceremonies.
- Canadian military history: Learn about our role in various conflicts and peacekeeping missions throughout history. Browse educational resources, view online exhibits or visit one of Canada’s military museums.
- Indigenous Veterans Day: On November 8, join in honouring and giving thanks for the service and legacy of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Veterans by participating in a local ceremony.
Helpful information for Veterans and Veteran Families
Veterans’ Week is the start of a season that can be challenging for some Veterans and Veteran Family members. Here are some resources that are available for Veterans and Families:
- Directory of services: List of resources and supports for military members, Veterans, and their Families, including links to crisis services, counselling and therapy, educational tools and peer support.
- Managing holiday stress: This downloadable PDF shares some tips to help Veterans and Veteran Family members manage the stress of the holiday season.
Learn more about this year’s theme: CAF around the world
