Edmonton residents gathered in solemn ceremonies across the city on November 11, 2025, to pay tribute to Canada's military veterans and fallen soldiers, with special significance at the historic Calder Cenotaph - Alberta's oldest war monument.
Historic Calder Cenotaph Hosts Principal Ceremony
The primary Remembrance Day observance took place at the Calder Cenotaph, where community members, veterans, and officials assembled to honour those who served in conflicts throughout Canada's military history. The Calder Cenotaph holds the distinction of being Alberta's oldest war monument, adding historical significance to the annual ceremony that brings Edmontonians together in collective remembrance.
Documented by CTV News Edmonton photographer Evan Klippenstein, the ceremony featured traditional elements including the laying of wreaths, moments of silence, and the playing of The Last Post. The gathering represented one of many coordinated events across Edmonton designed to ensure the sacrifices of Canadian service members remain in public consciousness.
City-Wide Observances Honour Military Sacrifice
Beyond the Calder ceremony, numerous other Remembrance Day events unfolded throughout Edmonton, creating multiple opportunities for residents to participate in the national day of reflection. These coordinated ceremonies followed similar patterns observed across Canada, with communities from Vancouver to Toronto and Ottawa holding parallel observances.
The November 11, 2025 ceremonies occurred exactly 107 years after the Armistice that ended World War I, maintaining the tradition of remembering the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. This year's events continued Edmonton's long-standing commitment to honouring military service amid growing concerns about preserving Remembrance Day traditions for younger generations.
Preserving Legacy for Future Generations
The 2025 ceremonies took place against a backdrop of national conversations about engaging younger Canadians in remembrance activities. As noted in coverage of similar events across the country, organizations like the Royal Canadian Legion have expressed hope that more young people will participate to ensure the continuation of remembrance traditions.
Recent years have seen increased emphasis on connecting youth with Canada's military history, with particular attention to the stories of veterans from more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and peacekeeping missions. The Edmonton ceremonies reflected this broader national effort to make remembrance relevant to new generations while honouring the sacrifices of earlier conflicts.
The day's observances concluded with Edmontonians reflecting on the importance of maintaining these traditions at historic sites like the Calder Cenotaph, ensuring that the memory of Canada's military service members endures as part of the city's cultural fabric for years to come.
