Where to observe 2023 Remembrance Day services in Winnipeg
Parades, marches and ceremonies take place indoors and outdoors around the city
Thousands of Manitobans will join millions more around the world on Saturday to pay tribute to armed forces members who have died in the line of duty and honour those who continue to serve.
First observed in 1919 throughout the British Commonwealth, Remembrance Day was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the First World War on Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m.
Since then, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month has been marked by solemn appreciation and a moment of silence.
There are a number of services and ceremonies in Winnipeg on Saturday to observe the occasion for those who want to take part.
This will be the second full year of in-person Remembrance Day events, after they were cancelled or held strictly online in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some services were offered with restricted capacity in 2021, before full in-person events returned in 2022.
Here are some of the services taking place in the city. You can also check the Royal Canadian Legion's website to find a service near you.
- RBC Convention Centre (375 York Ave.)
This is the province's biggest service, which usually draws upwards of 5,000 people. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the public is asked to be seated by 10:30 a.m. Service begins at 10:40 a.m. You can watch the service live here.
- HMCS Chippawa (1 Navy Way)
Congregation is asked to be seated by 10 a.m., with ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. Live music will be performed by HMCS Chippawa's band.
- Minto Armoury (969 St. Matthews Ave.)
Doors open at 9 a.m. and the program runs from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The museum will be open from noon until 3 p.m. Admission to the museum is free, though donations are accepted.
- Vimy Ridge Park (821 Preston Ave.)
The Royal Winnipeg Rifles host this ceremony at Vimy Ridge Memorial Park. Program begins at 10:40 a.m.
- St. Norbert Cemetery (898-870 Avenue Ste. Therese)
The St. Norbert ceremony begins at 10:45 a.m. at the cenotaph. A gathering with light refreshments will take place at the Eagles Club at 3459 Pembina Hwy. immediately following.
- Valour Road Commemorative Plaza at Valour Road and Sargent Avenue.
Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.
- Lt.-Col. Harcus Strachan Armoury, 551 Machray Ave.
Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m.
Ceremonies at Royal Canadian Legions
- Charleswood Legion 100 (service at Oak Park High School, 820 Charleswood Rd.)
A traditional ceremony with videos, speeches, prayers, wreath laying and playing of The Last Post. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a light lunch at the Charleswood Legion Branch #100 (6003 Roblin Blvd.).
- Bruce Park/St. James Legion 4 (service at Bruce Park, 1966 Portage Ave.)
Bus will leave the branch (1755 Portage Ave.) at 9:45 a.m. to go to Bruce Park. Parade will form on Lyle Street, west of the Assiniboine Gordon Inn, at 10:45 a.m. A march to return to the branch for a hot bowl of chili will take place following the ceremony.
The Legion will remain closed until the ceremony and parade is over.
- Fort Garry Legion Branch 90 (762 Pembina Hwy.)
Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 10:45 a.m., or when seating capacity has been reached.
- Norwood St. Boniface Branch 43 (134 Marion St.)
Doors open at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m. Honours and awards at 2 p.m.
- South Osborne Branch 252 (426 Osborne St.)
Doors open at 10 a.m., with the service beginning at 10:45 a.m. Use front entrance as lounge will remain closed until service is completed. Gathering in lounge afterwards.
Parade at 10 a.m. from the branch down Regent Avenue to Leola Street, south on Leola to Pandora Avenue E. to East End Arena. Everyone is welcome to march in the parade and asked to be at the branch by 9:30 a.m.
Ceremony at East End Arena will begin at 10:40 a.m. Everyone is asked to be seated by 10:30 a.m.
National ceremony at war memorial
CBC News will be marking Remembrance Day with special coverage from Ottawa, starting at 9 a.m. CT.
Find all the details here for watching on TV, listening on radio or viewing the online live stream.
The special will also be available with American Sign Language interpretation and described video.