Remembrance Day, November 11th

Every year, November 11th is set aside to remember those who have fallen in past wars, in order that we can enjoy our freedoms. It is a time to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of our soldiers from WW I, WW II, the Korean War and now the conflicts in the Middle East. Hundreds of thousands of brave men and women, over these many years, have given their lives for our country, so that we can live in a peaceful and democratic society.

The Canadian creed is "Lest We Forget", and we must not ever forget those who have fought and died so that we can enjoy so much. In Canada, we have never had the draft (as far as I am aware), so all these brave, patriotic soldiers volunteered and went to fight in wars of their own accord. How many of us would be so brave and willing as to give up so much, even our own lives, to fight hellish battles so far from home? They are all, truly heroes of the utmost magnitude!

Why We Wear The Poppy

Canada has adopted the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. It all began when Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae noticed poppies growing wild amongst the grave stones of fallen soldiers, that of his own friend in particular. In 1915 he was inspired to write the now famous poem, "In Flanders Fields". In 1921, because of this heartfelt, memorable tribute, Canadians began wearing paper crafted replicas of these poppies out of respect and gratitude. It has become a tradition ever since, to don a poppy on every citizen's left lapel (above the heart).

In weeks leading up to November 11th, many volunteers and servicemen(women) can be found around the city, distributing these brightly colored, now plastic, poppies. All they ask is that anyone wanting a poppy offer a small donation. These donations go to a good cause in assisting ex-servicemen and women to obtain either extra medical help or financial assistance if they happen to have fallen upon hard times, or to help our veterans throughout their aging years. It is so little to ask and offer, after they have given every Canadian so very much.

This year, Remembrance Day marks the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I. On this day in 1918, the 11th day of the 11th month, on the 11th hour, the war ended. Because of this momentous occasion in history, we are asked to stop whatever we are doing and take a moment on the 11th hour to bow our heads in a moment of silence, say a prayer for our fallen soldiers and remember the sacrifice they have given, so that we might continue to live in a land of freedom. If you are able, attend a service near you. Give "Thanks" to those brave souls.

From the bottom of my heart, I give a prayerful "Thank You" to all our Canadian soldiers, past and present.

For those who may not remember, or might not know, this is the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae:

In Flanders Fields

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.

- John McCrae, 1915

reference: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/remembranceday/poppies.html