History Browser

Schedule of events from May 23 to May 28, 2000. These include a brief time table for the events that surrounded the movement of the Unknown Soldier in both France and Canada. Links are provided for more detailed information regarding the ceremonies.

Here are some activities and symbols associated with Remembrance Day. Also some little known facts regarding our men over seas and life on the homefront are presented. Service Women, politicians, families and heroes are all remembered on this site.

"This unknown soldier was not able to live out his allotted span of life to contribute to his country. But in giving himself totally through duty, commitment, love and honour he has become part of us forever. As we are part of him." So spoke The Honourable Adrienne Clarkson as the journey that began for one young soldier decades ago during World War One finally ended as he was returned to Canadian soil, a representative of all those who rest forever in unmarked graves.

The 6:45 wake-up call, this morning, comes far too early for most of the delegation members, many of whom didn't get to bed before one o'clock Arras time. By 8:15 we are in the coaches and on our way to the British Commonwealth War Graves cemetery, just outside of Pozières a quaint village about 25 minutes from our hotel.

2003 marked the 50th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice. To help Canadians remember the sacrifice and achievement by Canadian forces during this time, a poster was commissioned featuring the Monument to Canadian Fallen located in Busan, South Korea. More information can be found on this site for those who are interested in learning about this monument and the Canadians who served in the Korean War.

It is important that the youth of today do not forget the sacrifices of the youth of yesterday. This poster shows one youth remembering those soldiers who are buried in France.

The collage of photos presented on this poster represents the three branches of the armed forces and the three major conflicts Canada has participated in during the Twentieth Century. Our modern day Peace Keepers are also represented.

May 25, 2000 marked the beginning of a journey home for a young man who sacrificed his life for his country. This is a first hand account of one of those who had the honour of accompanying him from the battlefields of France to his permanent resting place in Canada.

A vital factor throughout Canadian military history has been the role of the militia or reserves. While there has been a shift from a small professional core of soldiers supporting a larger militia, to a small militia supporting a larger regular force; society has seen the necessity of funding both groups.

Vietnam may have been America's war but Canada was heavily involved — for and against. Canada harboured American draft dodgers and helped supervise ceasefires. But at the same time, about 30,000 Canadians volunteered to fight in southeast Asia. And there was Canada's involvement in secret missions, weapons testing and arms production. The CBC Archives looks at Canada's role in the Vietnam War.