Queen’s annual Remembrance Day service honoured Canadians who have served in times of war while reflect on how the meaning of remembrance has evolved over time.  

The theme for this year's ceremony, Remembrance through the ages, was introduced by Interfaith Chaplain Erin Burns, who led the service in Grant Hall on Wednesday, November 11. Alongside those who served in the First and Second World Wars, the program honoured Canadians who took part in more recent conflicts and military operations, as well as those serving today.  

To ensure the sacrifices of those who have served throughout time are not forgotten, additional elements were featured alongside traditional aspects of the service, including songs by the Queen’s student choir, poems highlighting the stories of Indigenous veterans, and letters from the Queen’s Archives dating from 1917 to 2010 read aloud by Queen's community members. Queen’s Archives has also put together a digital exhibit, Queen's Remembers, and a series of posts on Instagram to commemorate the lives of students who lost their life during WWI and WWII.

"For many of us, the reality of war will not touch our lives directly. For some of our community, this has been their everyday. The letters read during the service provide insight into those realities," said Chaplain Burns. "We are grateful to those who have shared their words with us and for all those who lift their voices to make these stories real for us. We will remember."    

Following the service, the Queen’s Military and Veterans Network invited community members to Wallace Hall in the John Deutsch University Centre. The network is active outside of Remembrance Day services, and welcomes current and former military members, military family members, and others with a military connection, offering opportunities for camaraderie, mentorship, and connection to supports.