Remembrance Day activities: Join us for a moment of reflection

November 7th, 2024 News

The MUHC traditionally honours Remembrance Day with a special event. On Monday, November 11, employees from all sites, as well as those working remotely, are invited to join in a moment of silence at 11:11 a.m. to honour those who served.

For those at the Glen site, here’s what’s happening:

  • 10:50 a.m.: Dr. Lucie Opatrny, MUHC President and Executive Director, will lead a procession with a Montreal Pipes & Drums bagpipe player from the entrance at the Montreal Children’s Hospital down the promenade to the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), stopping at the cafeteria.
  • Dr. Jonathan Meakins, former MUHC Chair of Surgery, will serve as Master of Ceremonies and share a few words in honour of those who have served.  
  • 11:11 a.m.: A minute of silence.
  • Immediately following this moment of remembrance, there will be a reading of In Flanders Fields by Joanne MacPhail.This iconic poem has come to define Canadian history.  In Flanders Fields was written by Royal Victoria and Montreal General Hospital physician, Dr. John McCrae. Read poem below.
  • After the reading of the poem, Dr. Opatrny will address the MUHC community.
  • The bagpipe player will conclude the event with music, piping from the cafeteria back to the entrance of the RVH.

The full ceremony will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

For those unable to attend the event, the RBC Art and Heritage Centre has put together a display at the Glen and MGH featuring WWI photography and collections.  

We encourage everyone to take part and reflect together.

In Flanders Fields
By John McCrae (1872-1918)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.


We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.


Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.