Decoration Day
June 2, Monday
Historical Background
Decoration Day began on June 2, 1890, when veterans of the Battle of Ridgeway gathered at the Canadian Volunteers Monument in Toronto to lay wreaths and commemorate their fallen comrades. The battle, which took place in 1866, was part of the Fenian Raids—an incursion by Irish-American militants seeking to pressure Britain to withdraw from Ireland.
Purpose and Significance
The holiday was created by veterans who felt that their sacrifices were being overlooked by the government and the public. Decoration Day became an annual event, growing in popularity and eventually honoring all Canadian military personnel who had served in various conflicts.
Observances and Traditions
In its early years, Decoration Day was marked by:
- Parades and public ceremonies
- The laying of wreaths and flowers on soldiers’ graves
- Speeches by veterans and public officials
- Community gatherings to remember the fallen
Evolution Over Time
As Canada became involved in larger global conflicts such as World War I and World War II, Remembrance Day (November 11) gradually replaced Decoration Day as the primary occasion for honoring military service. However, Decoration Day remains an important part of Canadian military history and is still observed by some veteran groups and historical societies.
Legacy
Decoration Day helped establish the tradition of public military remembrance in Canada. It laid the groundwork for the creation of Remembrance Day and contributed to the development of national monuments and memorials dedicated to Canadian soldiers.