Remembrance Day Commemorates Diminishing WWII Veteran Population

As the world observes Remembrance Day, this year marks the somber milestone of 80 years since the end of the Second World War. The number of surviving veterans has significantly decreased, with only a few thousand still living. According to Veterans Affairs Canada, as of 2023, there are an estimated 3,691 surviving Canadian veterans, comprising 667 women and 3,024 men.

This decline is evident as the memories of the war transition from lived experiences to historical accounts. Jeff Noakes, a historian at the Canadian War Museum, emphasizes the urgency of this shift. “The events of the Second World War are very rapidly moving from the realm of lived history into history, where you can’t talk to the people who remember them,” he stated.

Commemorating the Legacy of Veterans

The Second World War, fought between 1939 and 1945, claimed the lives of more than 45,000 Canadian service members, with over 55,000 sustaining injuries. The war’s impact is still felt today, yet the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts is diminishing. Many Canadians, even those who were children at the war’s end, are now well into their eighties.

As the nation prepares for this year’s national ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, the spotlight will also shine on the contributions of the Canadian military throughout the Americas. On November 11, 2025, Chief Justice Richard Wagner will preside over the ceremony in place of Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, who is recovering from a respiratory virus.

During the ceremony, Nancy Payne, this year’s National Silver Cross Mother, will lay a wreath in honor of Canadian mothers who have lost children in military service. Her son was killed in Afghanistan in 2006.

Preserving Memories and History

The Canadian War Museum is actively working to preserve the stories of the remaining veterans. A special exhibition titled “Last Voices of the Second World War” features interviews with veterans and their families. This exhibition is currently on display and will run through January 18, serving as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

Canada’s military history also includes the hardships faced on the home front. Citizens endured rationing, government restrictions under the War Measures Act, and the internment of Japanese and Italian Canadians seen as potential threats during the war. These experiences are integral to understanding the broader implications of the conflict.

Lt.-Col. Carl Gauthier recently addressed the Senate, highlighting the military’s commitment to community service and support throughout Canada and beyond. He noted how veterans have consistently stepped up in times of need, from natural disasters to international crises.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the entombment of Canada’s Unknown Soldier, honoring the more than 118,000 Canadians who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country. Their contributions are a vital part of Canada’s national identity and history.

As the nation reflects on the legacy of the Second World War, the dwindling number of veterans serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the importance of preserving their stories for future generations.