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1818
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1831
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1868
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1890
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1901
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1925
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1926
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1945
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1965
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1989
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1992
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2000
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2006
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May 2
What is R.E.D. Friday?
R.E.D. Friday, which stands for Remember Everyone Deployed, began in the United States around 2003 as a grassroots movement encouraging people to wear red on Fridays to honor deployed troops. The movement found new energy in Canada in May 2006, when Lisa Miller and Karen Boire—two military wives from Petawawa, Ontario—brought it to national attention by organizing local and national rallies. Their efforts culminated in a memorable Red Friday Rally on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in September 2006, sparking a Canada-wide tradition that endures to this day. On Friday, 2 May 2025, Canadians mark the 19th anniversary of R.E.D. Friday, continuing to unite communities in visible support of military members and their families.
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May 17
Who was the first female Canadian soldier to be killed in combat?
Captain Nichola K.S. Goddard, M.S.M., holds a distinguished place in Canadian military history as the first female soldier killed in combat, and the first army officer since the Korean War to direct artillery fire against the enemy. Her death occurred on May 17, 2006, during a fierce firefight with Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, marking a pivotal moment for women in Canada’s armed forces. Goddard’s final resting place is the National Military Cemetery in Ottawa, where her legacy continues to inspire and remind the nation of her service and sacrifice.
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May 2
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2009
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2014
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Feb 6
How important was the use of "troop trains" during times of war and peace?
Troop trains transformed military logistics in both Canada and the United States, becoming vital during events such as the 1861–1865 U.S. Civil War and the 1885 Northwest Rebellion in Canada. By enabling rapid deployment of thousands of soldiers and supplies across vast distances, railways often determined the outcome of key conflicts. In a remarkable episode, the Ottawa Company of Sharpshooters endured a grueling nine-day train journey on the newly built Canadian Pacific Railway to fight in the Northwest, a trip that would take just hours today. The enduring legacy of these journeys is still remembered, as seen in Ottawa’s Confederation Park, where a 2014 ice sculpture commemorates the poignant departures of World War I soldiers from Valcartier.
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Jul 12
What memorial bridge erected in Canada's capital was named in honour of the heroes of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, France?
The Vimy Memorial Bridge in Ottawa stands as a striking tribute to the Canadian soldiers who fought at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France. Linking the communities of Barrhaven and Riverside South over the Rideau River, this impressive steel-reinforced truss arch bridge officially opened on July 12, 2014, after a lengthy construction process costing $48 million. Its renaming, endorsed by the Royal Canadian Legion and city officials in November 2014, was timed to coincide with the centennial of the First World War, connecting local heritage to a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Notably, the bridge not only facilitates transport but also features dedicated lanes for buses, bicycles, pedestrians, and a commemorative plaque that reminds visitors of the 3,598 Canadians who lost their lives at Vimy Ridge.
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Sep 13
What are 'Flags of Remembrance'?
Flags of Remembrance is a national tribute launched in 2014 by Al Cameron and Veterans Voices of Canada to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Military Police, and First Responders. Each fall, 128 Canadian flags line the roads in communities such as Sylvan Lake, Dunnville, and Charlottetown, with every flag representing one thousand Canadian war dead or missing in action from the South African War to today, as well as fallen RCMP officers. Unique plaques beneath each flag individually recognize veterans, both past and present, and serve as personal tributes from families and friends. Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2025, this powerful display not only preserves Canada’s military heritage but also supports ongoing efforts to document veterans’ stories for future generations.
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Oct 22
What are the tragic events that occurred in Canada in October 2014?
In October 2014, Canada was shaken by two separate attacks that claimed the lives of Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec, and Corporal Nathan Cirillo in Ottawa. These acts of violence marked a somber moment in Canadian history, as both soldiers were targeted while serving on home soil, the latter at the iconic Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In a powerful display of solidarity, thousands gathered at the National War Memorial in Ottawa for an anniversary ceremony, with national leaders and the families of the fallen in attendance. A unique tribute to Corporal Cirillo was added to the site: a commemorative plaque unveiled in a private ceremony, ensuring his memory endures.
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Feb 6
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April
May
1925Who was Canada's Artillery Commander in the Great War?
Major-General Sir Edward Morrison, Canada's Artillery Commander during the Great War, played a pivotal role in some of the Canadian Corps' greatest victories on the Western Front, including Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele. Despite his extraordinary leadership and the corps' unmatched record, Morrison remained largely forgotten for a century until historian Susan Raby-Dunne uncovered his remarkable story and connection to John McCrae, author of “In Flanders Fields.” In 2017, Morrison’s previously vanished grave marker at Ottawa’s Beechwood Cemetery was restored and formally rededicated, bringing overdue recognition to a commander whose strategic direction led to sixty percent of the war’s total casualties being inflicted by Canadian guns. As we mark the 100th anniversary of his death in 2025, Morrison’s legacy now stands as a testament to the courage, skill, and sacrifice of Canada’s artillery and the men he led.
2000When was the Canadian Unknown Soldier entombed at the National War Memorial, Ottawa?
Canada’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located at the foot of the National War Memorial in Ottawa, stands as a profound symbol of national remembrance. The unidentified soldier was repatriated from the Cabaret Rouge British War Cemetery near Vimy Ridge, a site deeply significant to Canada’s military heritage. Unveiled on May 28, 2000, the sarcophagus—designed by sculptor Mary-Ann Liu—was modeled after the altar of the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. This year, 2025, marks the 25th anniversary of this moving tribute to the sacrifices and unity of generations of Canadians.