Canadian history · Drawing 21 of 43
A moment of silence
1914–1918
From 1914 to 1918, more than 600,000 Canadians served in the First World War, including at Vimy in 1917. On November 11, we remember them. This class shares a moment of silence at a memorial.
Look together
What do you see at the foot of the memorial?
An idea to try
Look at the class’s postures with the child. Share a short quiet moment, then ask how listening or being silent can show respect for others.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
November 11 recalls the 1918 armistice. The customary ceremony includes two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. Remembrance Day honours those who served and those who died in several conflicts; its meaning extends beyond Vimy and the First World War.
The Canadian Corps took part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. For young readers, the image focuses on shared remembrance without depicting combat. People can take part while standing or sitting. The memorial is imagined and the wreath contains only leaves.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
A class today and their teacher beside a fictional cenotaph. Four pupils, including a wheelchair user, with closed eyes. A leaf-only wreath; no poppies, flags, inscriptions, weapons or emblems.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Veterans Affairs Canada - A Guide to Commemorative ServicesSchool ceremonies, two minutes of silence and the November 11, 1918 armistice.
- Veterans Affairs Canada - First World WarCanadian service from 1914 to 1918 and the context of Vimy.
Page prepared on November 7, 2026. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
This drawing is from the book Canada’s Great Moments to Colour
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