Grief, Gratitude, and Healing on Remembrance Day

Each year on November 11th, Canadians pause in silence to honour those who have served and sacrificed for our country. For many, Remembrance Day is a moment of collective gratitude and a day to reflect on courage, resilience, and the cost of freedom. But it can also be a day that brings up a mix of emotions: pride, grief, sorrow, or even guilt.

At Safe Place, we want to acknowledge that this day can look and feel different for everyone. For some, it’s deeply personal and about remembering a loved one who served or reflecting on family stories that still carry emotional weight. For others, it’s a quieter, reflective moment to think about what service and sacrifice mean in today’s world.

The Many Emotions of Remembrance 🌺 

Grief and gratitude often walk hand in hand. We can feel immense appreciation for those who served while also holding sadness for the lives changed or lost. It’s okay for these emotions to coexist, they don’t cancel each other out.

If you find yourself feeling heavy or emotional on Remembrance Day, know that this is completely normal. Remembering can stir up old memories, awaken empathy, or remind us of times we’ve experienced our own loss. Honouring those feelings can be a way of paying respect too.

 Creating Space for Reflection and Healing

Try setting aside a quiet moment for yourself this Remembrance Day, whether it’s during the two minutes of silence, a walk outdoors, or simply taking a few slow, grounding breaths. Reflection can be its own form of healing.

You might ask yourself:

• What values do I want to carry forward from those who came before me?

• How can I honour their sacrifices through kindness, empathy, or service to others?

• What does “peace” mean to me personally, and how can I nurture it in my own life?

There’s no right or wrong way to remember,  just honest moments of stillness, gratitude, and compassion.

For Those Who Struggle on This Day ❤️

For veterans, families of service members, or anyone touched by trauma, Remembrance Day can bring emotions that are difficult to carry alone. If this day feels heavy for you, please know that support is available. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength and a way to honour your own wellbeing while honouring others’ sacrifices too.

At Safe Place, we believe remembering is about caring forward rather than solely looking back. By tending to our emotions and supporting one another, we help keep the spirit of compassion and resilience alive every day of the year. Take care of yourself this Remembrance Day. Pause, breathe, and know that your feelings, whatever they may be, are valid.