Commemorating Remembrance Day While Apart

Remembrance Day on November 11 is a solemn occasion to reflect on the sacrifices made by military personnel, honoring those who served and continue to serve. For families where one parent or partner works away from home—whether in a military role, as a first responder, or another type of remote work—finding ways to commemorate Remembrance Day can be challenging. Yet, even across distances, families can come together to recognize this important day, instilling a sense of gratitude and respect in children while maintaining connections with loved ones.

In this post, we’ll explore why observing Remembrance Day is so meaningful for families and share some thoughtful ways to commemorate the day when one parent or partner is working away from home.

Why Remembrance Day Matters for Families

Remembrance Day is not just about honoring the past but also fostering an understanding of sacrifice, resilience, and the value of peace. For families, especially those with connections to military or essential service professions, observing this day is a way to teach children about the importance of service and respect. When one parent is away, this day can carry added significance, reminding families of the importance of their work and the value of family bonds.

5 Ways to Commemorate Remembrance Day Across Distances

1. Attend or Watch a Virtual Ceremony Together

• How it Works: Many communities, schools, and organizations offer virtual Remembrance Day services, including live-streamed events where families can honor veterans and observe moments of silence.

Families with one parent away can attend a virtual ceremony together, watching at the same time and sharing thoughts afterward.

2. Create a Family Remembrance Space at Home

• Why it’s Meaningful: Participating in a ceremony—even virtually—allows families to join a larger community of remembrance. It’s a powerful way to feel united, and with the away parent’s involvement, it becomes a shared experience across the distance.

• How it Works: Set up a small space at home with poppies, photos, or symbols of remembrance. You might include photos of loved ones who served, medals, or artwork. The parent at home can share photos of the space with the away parent or create it with input from them to make it a collaborative family project.
• Why it’s Meaningful: This special space offers a physical reminder of Remembrance Day, helping children feel connected to the significance of the day. It also provides a focal point for family discussions on remembrance, helping everyone feel grounded in the observance.

3. Observe a Moment of Silence Together

• How it Works: Regardless of time zones, try to coordinate a shared moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. (or a time that works for your family). You could connect on a video call or simply agree to observe the moment at the same time, reflecting on the meaning of the day.
• Why it’s Meaningful: Observing silence together can be a grounding way to pause and reflect. For children, it’s a simple but impactful way to understand respect and remembrance, and it gives parents the opportunity to connect with the day’s significance, even across distances.

4. Share Stories of Service and Sacrifice

• How it Works: One of the most impactful ways to honor Remembrance Day is by sharing stories. The parent at home can discuss family history or share stories about military and service sacrifices. If the away parent is able, they could record or video-call to share their own stories or reflections, giving children a chance to ask questions.
• Why it’s Meaningful: Sharing stories makes Remembrance Day personal, helping children understand why we observe this day. It also strengthens family bonds, especially when parents can share personal or family connections to the day, even if they can’t be there in person.

5. Send or Exchange Letters of Gratitude

• How it Works: As a family, take time to write letters of gratitude to veterans, service members, or even each other, acknowledging the sacrifices made by those who serve. Families can also send letters to veterans or troops overseas as a way of honoring the day’s message of respect.
• Why it’s Meaningful: Writing letters of gratitude gives children an active way to connect with the values of Remembrance Day. For the away parent, reading these letters can help them feel closer to home, and it’s a beautiful tradition that helps families participate in the holiday’s spirit of honor and respect.

Celebrating Remembrance Day with one parent away requires intentionality, but it’s an opportunity for families to unite around shared values. Observing this day together, even at a distance, can help families express gratitude, connect across miles, and teach younger generations the significance of honoring service and sacrifice. With a few creative approaches, families can ensure that Remembrance Day is both meaningful and memorable, instilling a sense of respect that will carry forward year after year.