Canadians Gather to Honor Fallen Soldiers with “Last Post”

Canadians will soon unite across the nation to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in military service. Commemorative services are scheduled in various venues, and as the clock strikes eleven, the haunting melody of the “Last Post” will resonate through the air.

The “Last Post” holds deep significance, especially for those familiar with Canadian or Commonwealth military traditions. Its origins can be traced back to British military customs of the late 18th century. Originally, the “Last Post” was a bugle call used to signal the end of the watch for soldiers in the field or at garrisons. This tradition continued even after the First World War, as Canada largely operated as a British force during that era.

According to Gregory Kennedy, a professor and dean of arts at Brandon University, the “Last Post” has evolved to symbolize a poignant moment of remembrance during memorial services. Kennedy, a published historian specializing in early Canadian history, explained that this tradition would have been observed at military installations such as the Halifax Citadel and Fort Henry throughout the 19th century.

The “Last Post” gained its commemorative significance in 1919, following a message from King George V that proposed the marking of Armistice Day throughout the British Empire, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Kennedy noted, “Today, the ‘Last Post’ has come to have a greater symbolic meaning as something that is played during memorial services and at Remembrance Day as a figurative end of watch or end of service for soldiers who have been killed in service.”

While the specific composer of the “Last Post” remains unknown, the words that often accompany its performance are credited to Laurence Binyon, an English poet. During memorial ceremonies, attendees stand in silence for the “Last Post,” which is followed by the reading of Binyon’s famous lines from the poem “For the Fallen”:

“They shall grow not old as we that are left to grow old;
Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.”

This excerpt, known as the “Ode of Remembrance,” was composed in 1914 amid the early days of the First World War. Kennedy remarked, “The going down of the sun and the ‘Last Post,’ with its original intention of marking the end of the day, makes sense.”

Following the reading, a two-minute period of silence is observed, a practice mandated by The Canadian Armed Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial. During this time, no musical instruments, including bagpipes, are played, allowing for quiet reflection on the service and sacrifice of those who have died. After the silence, the tune “Reveille” is played, symbolizing the beginning of a new day. Kennedy emphasized the continuity of memory, stating, “It’s an affirmation of how life goes on, but that the memory and the spirit of those comrades carries on as well.”

Remembrance Day has always held significant cultural importance in Canada. In 1921, a Canadian Act of Parliament was enacted to formalize its observance. Interestingly, this act also established Thanksgiving as a holiday, combining the two observances until 1931 when Remembrance Day was officially designated as November 11.

Kennedy highlighted the importance of these commemorative practices, saying, “We reaffirm our commitment to remember the fallen and to continue to serve our country. This is a profound thing for us, the cycle of the ‘Last Post’ and then also the ‘Reveille.’ The watch continues.”

As the nation prepares for this solemn day, the “Last Post” will echo across Canada, reminding all of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the service of their country.