Since its opening in 1951, the War Memorial Gym has stood as both a physical and symbolic heart of the University of British Columbia — a living tribute to the students, alumni, and faculty who served and sacrificed in times of war, military conflict, and peace. Each year since, the UBC community has gathered in this space on November 11 to remember and reflect.
This year marks a special milestone: the 75th anniversary of UBC’s Remembrance Day ceremony at War Memorial Gym. For three quarters of a century, this ceremony has brought together generations of students, faculty, staff, and community members to honour those who came before us and to reaffirm our collective commitment to peace, memory, and community.
For the UBC School of Kinesiology, this year’s ceremony carries additional meaning. It will be our last Remembrance Day in War Memorial Gym before the School moves into its new home in the Gateway Building in the new year. Since it opened, the War Memorial Gym has been a home to the School and a space that has housed not only classrooms and research but also decades of athletic, academic, and community activity.
As we prepare to begin a new chapter in Gateway, we pause to recognize the deep connection between Kinesiology and War Memorial Gym: a building dedicated to movement, remembrance, and resilience. Its legacy will continue to inspire our work as we move forward — honouring the past while building toward the future.
Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8th recognizes the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people who have participated in Canada’s military efforts. This day is a memorial day observed in Canada in recognition of Indigenous contributions to military service, particularly in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War. The day was first commemorated in 1994. Indigenous veterans had to overcome many obstacles to serve Canada in these wars, including adjusting to new cultures, sometimes learning to speak new languages (usually English) and travelling long distances to enlist.
On November 11, flags on both campuses will be lowered in recognition of Remembrance Day. The national day honours those who have served and continue to serve in times of war, military conflict and peace. All are invited to attend the UBC Remembrance Day ceremony at War Memorial Gym on November 11, 2025.
For more details about the event, please visit this event webpage.