Remembrance Day 2025 – Reflecting with graphic novels

On November 11 at the 11th hour, Canadians stop and reflect by observing a moment of silence to remember fallen soldiers and pay tribute to those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

There are many ways to observe this special day. Whether it’s attending a wreath laying ceremony or watching the ceremony held in Ottawa, the nation’s capital, it’s important to take note in a meaningful way.

For this year, the Digital Poppy honours The Fighting Newfoundlander, unveiled on September 13, 1922. According to the Canada Veterans website: “The statue depicts a life-like scene of a soldier during battle, with one hand holding a rifle and the other cocked and ready to throw a grenade. The statue is a meticulous and detailed piece of work conceived and created by Captain Basil Gotto, a famous sculptor who was commissioned during the war to create a piece of a ‘fighting soldier’…The statue was completed in early 1919 and donated to the Park in September 1922, by Sir Edgar Bowring, expressing both his commitment to the park as well as his love and affection to the citizens of Newfoundland who had suffered tremendous losses during the war.”

Canadian creators have produced many graphic novels that offer insight into the past and offer readers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of those who gave their lives for our freedoms today. Here are just some of the many podcast interviews featuring graphic novels worthwhile considering in this reflective time:

Michael Wyatt chatted about his illustrative work on Canadian war graphic novels including Where the Poppies Blow: The Life and Lessons of John McCrae.

Brian Bowman and Susan Tooke chatted about Canadian history in Dusty Dreams and Troubled Waters graphic novel featuring the HMCS Sackville that was crewed by young men from across Canada and endured the Battle of the Atlantic (1939-1945), the longest of the Second World War.

Group of 7 Comics’ Chris Sanagan and Jason Lapidus discussed their book Peregrines featuring front line nurses doing double duty as home front defenders as they fight in the shadows to protect Canada from threats unbelievable and unknown.

Scott Chantler talked about his Eisner Award-nominated  Two Generals, a graphic memoir of World War II based on his grandfather’s experiences.

Matthew Barrett and Robert Engen chatted about Through Their Eyes: A Graphic History of Hill 70 and Canada’s First World War that recounts the summer of 1917, when Canadian troops had captured Vimy Ridge.

For additional information about Remembrance Day, please visit the Legion.ca website https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/remembrance-day