petawawa

2006What 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.

1968What is the significance of Canadian Armed Forces Day?

Canadian Armed Forces Day is celebrated across Canada every first Sunday in June, formally established by a House of Commons motion on April 25, 2002. This national day pays tribute to the vital service and sacrifices made by Canadian military personnel both at home and around the globe, in roles ranging from peacekeeping to disaster relief. The annual commemoration gained particular distinction in 2026 as it marked the 25th anniversary of the occasion, with more than 90,000 Canadians currently serving. A noteworthy past celebration occurred in Petawawa in 2005, where soldiers were honoured during the base’s centennial Freedom of the City parade.