Thousands of Manitobans gathered at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, for the province’s largest Remembrance Day ceremony, honouring Canadian Armed Forces members, veterans and those who lost their lives serving the country.
The annual ceremony, organised by the Joint Veterans Association of Manitoba, brought together veterans, military personnel, government officials, families and members of the public to remember the sacrifices made during the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, Afghanistan and other military operations.
The event began at approximately 10:15 a.m., following the opening of the doors at 9:30 a.m. Attendees gathered inside the convention centre ahead of the traditional two-minute silence at 11 a.m., marking the moment the armistice ending the First World War came into effect on November 11, 1918.
Among those attending were Manitoba Lieutenant-Governor Anita Neville, Premier Wab Kinew and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham. The ceremony featured military music, commemorative addresses and the laying of wreaths in honour of fallen service members.
This year’s commemoration carried particular significance following the deaths of four Canadian soldiers in a military training accident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta.
The four soldiers — Private Shaun Farrell, 23, Private Aidan Goulding, 23, Private Hayden Lykkemark, 19, and Sergeant Morgan Wong, 26 — were killed when a grass fire spread across a training area during strong winds. Several other military personnel were injured.
During the Winnipeg ceremony, attendees were encouraged to remember the four soldiers and their families. Military chaplain Padre Kimberly Barlow reminded the gathering that behind every uniform and name are families, friends and communities affected by the sacrifices of military service.
She noted that this year’s tragedy had brought the human cost of military service particularly close to Manitobans.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous veterans and other underrepresented groups who have served in Canada’s military.
Across Winnipeg, additional commemorations took place at several locations, including Vimy Ridge Park, Martin Park and Valour Road Commemorative Plaza. Communities throughout Manitoba also organised services at cenotaphs, legion branches and other memorial sites.
Remembrance Day is observed annually across Canada to honour those who served and sacrificed during times of war, conflict and peacekeeping missions. The red poppy, traditionally worn in the weeks leading up to November 11, remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and respect.
For many attendees, the gathering was more than an annual tradition. It was an opportunity to recognise the courage of veterans, remember those who never returned home and acknowledge the continued service of Canadian military personnel.
As the ceremony concluded, the message remained clear: the sacrifices of Canada’s service members must never be forgotten.
Swifteradio.com
