Remembrance Day in Saint John, New Brunswick, like in much of Canada, has roots tracing back to the end of World War I. Following the armistice on November 11, 1918, communities across Canada, including Saint John, held commemorations to honor the fallen soldiers. The first official Remembrance Day observance was established in 1919 and initially called “Armistice Day.” In Saint John, annual ceremonies began at key sites, with the largest gatherings at the city’s Cenotaph in King’s Square, where citizens, veterans, and officials would come together to pay their respects.

Stoker Petty Officer Bayard Galbraith

During these early years, Saint John’s Remembrance Day observances involved parades, moments of silence, and the laying of wreaths, bringing together various local military and veteran organizations. The day gradually became a deeply rooted tradition, especially after World War II, as it came to honor those lost in all conflicts.

By 1931, Canada officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day, emphasizing a broader commemoration. Since then, November 11 has been a somber occasion in Saint John, where veterans, citizens, and officials gather to remember the sacrifices made. The ceremonies continue to this day, with a two-minute silence at 11:00 a.m., symbolizing respect and reflection for those who served in the military and contributed to peace and freedom.