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Memorial Day

Memorial Day is celebrated at the same time as Canada Day, on July 1st. This day commemorates the lives that were lost, paying particular attention to World War I. Since it falls on the celebration of the nation, there may only be a brief moment of silence offered for the fallen veterans. While the rest of the day will be filled with celebrations and joyous cheering.

Upcoming Dates & Where They Are Celebrated

Memorial Day falls on the same day as Canada Day, which is July 1st. It is celebrated as only an observance in Newfoundland and Labrador. Here are the upcoming Memorial Day dates:

  • Saturday, July 1, 2017
  • Sunday, July 1, 2018
  • Monday, July 1, 2019
  • Wednesday, July 1, 2020
  • Thursday, July 1, 2021
  • Friday, July 1, 2022
  • Saturday, July 1, 2023
  • Monday, July 1, 2024
  • Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Where Is Memorial Day Considered A Holiday?

Memorial Day is considered holiday throughout Canada, only because it falls on Canada Day. Memorial Day itself is merely an observation. Every post office will be closed, along with government offices. Schools are closed and public transportation is likely to be unavailable. There are some stores that remain open, particularly gas stations and convenient stores. However, most businesses prefer to close for observation. Those businesses that are open during the day will often close early than average, to allow employees to join in festivities. In Newfoundland and Labrador, a moment of silence is observed early in the morning and the flag is often at half mass.

Festivities & Events During Memorial Day

There are very few celebrations for Memorial Day itself, however, Canada Day is observed with many festivities. There is often a celebration of concerts and live acts, propped on a temporary stage in a public park. During the concerts, or after, there is a bright fireworks display. These are often put together and funded by the city, in order to raise community activities. There is often a brief memorial service offered during the festivities to honor the veterans. However, Remembrance Day is the more common celebration to honor Veterans in Canada.

A Brief History Of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a commemoration of the veterans who served in the first World War. These veterans were largely from Newfoundland and Labrador, hence them choosing to celebrate more than any other provinces. When Britain declared war on Germany, Newfoundland was not yet a part of Canada. They were automatically sent to war as a part of Britain. The Battle of the Somme occurred on July 1, 1916, costing many lives. Memorial Day is to remember those particular lives.