Veterans’ Week: Tribute to Canadian peacekeepers for their courage and dedication

Veterans’ Week takes place from November 5 to November 11, 2024. Library and Archives Canada (LAC) joins the Canadian population in commemorating the sacrifices of all those who have served and continue to serve our country in times of war, military conflict and peace.

Indigenous Veterans’ Day, celebrated on November 8, highlights the significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation within the Canadian Armed Forces.

On Remembrance Day, at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, Canadians will take a moment of silence to express their gratitude for those who have fallen in the line of duty. We remember.

For the occasion, we offer a variety of resources to honour our veterans, discover their stories and deepen your knowledge of Canadian military heritage.

Discover LAC’s extensive military history collection

Canada’s military history is an integral part of the collective memory preserved at LAC. Our rich collections are filled with archival documents, photos, films, music and artworks.

We preserve the largest collection of documents related to the No. 2 Construction Battalion, the sole battalion in the Canadian Expeditionary Force subjected to segregation during the First World War.

Do you want to access the personnel records of the First World War? Learn more about the latest features of our database.

If you have a creative flair, why not create your own exhibition on military heritage? It’s a great way to explore Canadian military heritage in your own way and to learn more about your ancestors!

In the National Capital Region

Family event: Are you planning to be in the National Capital Region on November 9? Join us for the Together at LAC event, which will take place at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa. Take part in reflective and creative activities focused on Remembrance Day and engage in informative discussions with our experts.

Illumination: To commemorate the most unforgettable day of the year, the Preservation Centre and the Preservation Storage Facility in Gatineau will be illuminated in red on November 11, from sunset until 11:00 p.m.

Service closure: Please note that our public service points will be closed on November 11.

Fascinating readings from our blog posts

  • Heartfelt letters: June 6, 2024, marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In our exploration of our Second World War collection, we uncovered three letters that provide profound insights into the experiences of soldiers in Normandy and the challenges faced by the French, particularly the risks associated with being part of the Resistance. Discover these letters from Normandy addressed to our Canadian soldiers.
  • Photos of female soldiers: The Royal Canadian Air Force celebrated its centenary in 2024. For the occasion, we wanted to pay tribute to military women.
  • A fateful day: Learn more about the history of the final charge of the Canadian Cavalry.
  • Shipbuilding: Here is a forgotten component of Canada’s role in the Second World War. Discover the crucial project accomplished by the Dominion Bridge Company.
  • Soldiers’ physical training: Would you have been fit enough to join the Canadian Expeditionary Force? Take a look at the physical training that soldiers had to follow to endure the rigours of combat.

Learn more

To learn more about the initiatives offered during Veterans’ Week, visit the website of Veterans Affairs Canada.

Photos and videos

Thanks to our Collection Search tool, you can find millions of photographs using simple keywords. Albums are also available on Flickr.

Our video collection includes over 90,000 files, featuring short and feature films, documentaries and silent films, some dating back to 1897.