October 31st, 2025
As Canada marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in 2025, the Commissionaires’ Remembrance Campaign pays tribute to one of the most defining moments of the 20th century, victory in Europe.
This year’s campaign reflects on the immense relief and hope that swept across the Allied nations on May 8, 1945. It reminds us that the joy of victory was inseparable from remembrance and honouring the sacrifice of those who made peace possible.
A Symbol of Connection and Relief
The inspiration behind this year’s campaign is drawn from a remarkable photograph held by Library and Archives Canada. It captures gunners of the 12th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, gathered around the trails of a gun in Aurich, Germany, reading the Victory Issue of The Maple Leaf, a newspaper published for Canadian troops overseas.
For those who had endured years of conflict, The Maple Leaf represented far more than headlines. It was a tangible link to home, a source of connection and a symbol of unity among Canadians at war. The moment captured in the photograph speaks to a shared sense of relief and pride that spread through the ranks at the war’s end.
Honouring Those Who Served
The 2025 Remembrance Campaign poster “We Honour Those Who Served” pays homage to the hundreds of thousands of Canadians who contributed to the victory in Europe. Through their sense of duty, they helped bring an end to six years of global conflict. It reminds us that freedom was secured not by triumph alone but through immense sacrifice.
The Enduring Legacy of VE Day
Eighty years later, VE Day continues to hold profound meaning for Canadians. It stands as a testament to the power of unity and the cost of peace, a day to remember not only the victory, but the values that sustained it: courage, sacrifice and hope.
Through remembrance, we honour their legacy and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
We honour those who served,
– Commissionaires