Remembrance Day Ceremony Protocol

I am somewhat surprised, but I truly should not be, that many do not understand the protocol of a ceremony. I recall, during my daughter's wedding, telling the friend of a father to stop taking photos.

He missed the memo - actually, the Minister announced it. (He was probably talking!)

Photos had expressly been forbidden, as people tend to snap and shoot merrily during prayers and solemn moments. I understand that many have not darkened the door of church, synagogue or other place of worship in many moons, but this is not excuse.

Similarly, with those who go to movie theatres, and behave as if they are in their living rooms, they talk, get up, move, and generally disturb people around them.

I loathe how people arrive late at meetings, and have to interrupt the entire group, apologizing loudly, with great humphing and fooferah, for being late. The entire agenda is disrupted. Worse so, the group leaders or chairs who stop proceeding and retell all pertinent instructions to the total boredom of those who chose to be on time. (It is a choice - except for flu, death or dismemberment, and then you are not likely to attend!)

That said, moving around during the entire ceremony is rather irritating. Choose your moments: during transitions from one section of the event to another.

Be aware of the land on which you stand. If you are in an English, French, Native or other setting, expect that 'Oh Canada', or other music or poems will be in another language. Deal with it! Sing along in whichever language you choose, the tune is the same!

Photography is important. We are blessed with the technology to share events and ceremonies with those who are housebound. But do the photographers need to stand in front of everyone for the WHOLE ceremony? Or can they just step up, take a shot, and move away?

Laying of the Wreath

Watch the protocol for the laying of the wreaths. For example, there is an order. 

Protocol dictates the order in which the wreaths will be laid.  According to the 

Royal Canadian Legion (PDF), depending on who is present, the order of precedence is: 

• a representative of the Queen (Governor General, Lieutenant Governor) 
• a representative of the Government of Canada (highest ranking official present)  
• a representative of a provincial government  
• a representative of a municipal government 
• a Silver Cross Mother  
• a representative of the Canadian Forces 
• a representative of the Royal Canadian Legion 
• representatives of other organizations and individuals 

The order in which wreaths are laid may vary to suit the ceremony at regional and local levels.  However, it is imperative that a wreath representing Canada be laid before all others. 

For each pair: Two at a time. Face the Cenotaph, walk together,  stop in front, lay the wreath, stand and pause a moment, then turn and leave.
The Last Post is traditionally played for lights outs. In a commemorative service, it symbolizes death.

Reveille is the first call sounded in the morning and is used as a wake up call. During the ceremony, it is played to signify the resurrection of the

spirit of the fallen.

Remembrance Day ceremonies are a perfect example. Fewer people seem to attend than ever before, yet schools continually prepare with music, poems and prose. Perhaps that will change. If so, perhaps people will understand the protocol and apply it to all sort of place where people gather.

As long as the UN continues to attempt to help, and or intervene around the world, this type of ceremony will remain fresh. I taught many students, some fled the Gulf War, running amidst gunfire. Others were Vietnamese boat people. Wherever we have civil war, this is the human response. And the generations, in Canada, are collecting in many school assemblies to honour those who have died in battle. Even in small towns across North America, many gather on the 11th day of the 11th hour. Thank your teachers.

Basic manners:

• Firstly, if you are late, enter quietly. Do not loudly apologize. 
• Photograph, but not during moments of silence, or prayers.
• Do not move about during silence, or prayers. Just don't!
• Stand up during Last Post.
• Remove your hats during Last Post, stand still, remain silent.
• Be aware of the land on which you stand.
• Watch the protocol for the laying of the wreaths. 

Fr more information:

PDF Version - Veterans Affairs Canada - Anciens Combattants Canada