It’s 2026, and I can’t help but think back to my own time in the military.
When I served in 1980, I remember having Catholic and Protestant chaplains. Even back then, there were plenty of people who didn’t practise a religion. I remember my dad being surprised by how many people at the recruiting centre stated that they had no religious affiliation.
Canada has changed considerably since then. Immigration has brought people from many different religious backgrounds, including Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and many others. We also have Canadians who follow no religion at all.
Until recently, members of Canada’s recognized religions have had to fight to have their religious rights respected in various settings. So, how do we make sure everyone is treated fairly?
Personally, I think a moment of silence is the best path forward at public military ceremonies. It allows everyone to reflect in their own way, whether that means praying to God, following another faith, remembering those who served, or simply being silent.
And let’s be honest with ourselves. If our churches were full every Sunday, perhaps—and just perhaps—this debate would carry more weight for a larger part of the population. Unfortunately, that isn’t the reality. I remember parents making their kids go to church while they stayed home themselves.
Times change, and so does society. For a large portion of Canadians, organized religion simply isn’t part of their lives anymore.
Remembrance Day should be about honouring those who served and sacrificed for our country. A moment of silence gives every Canadian the freedom to remember in their own way, without taking anything away from anyone else’s faith.
That, to me, is a reasonable way forward.