In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween 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
The poppy is the symbol of Remembrance Day.
Replica poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion to raise money for Veterans
Veterans, Canadian Forces members and those who have given their lives in the pursuit of peace have made great contributions to our country and the world.
The peaceful society we in Canada enjoy today is only a dream to the many people in the world who live in countries torn apart by violence.
This peace is possible only because it has been protected by the efforts and sacrifices of generations of Canadians over the years who have put their lives on the line.
Remembering all that these men and women have done during times of war, military conflict and peace helps us understand the country we live in today and how we can build a better future together.
And so, at the 11th minute of the 11th day of the 11th month every year, we Canadians stand in silence to honour our Canadian military who have died in service to our country.
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23 comments:
God bless them -- every one!
Do you know it's barely commemorated here other than via Returned Servicemen's Leagues clubs and a short lunch time ceremony in larger cities. Shame, our rememberance day has become the celebration of a crushing defeat on a little beach in Turkey and we celebrate on April 25tgt Anzac Day!
Lest we forget indeed! The war to end all wars . . didn't. Sad isn't is.
Hope as many as possible get out for the services to honor the sacrifice - ongoing -sad to say.
It sounds as though Baino is an Aussie. There was a program last night about how we should celebrate victories in France rather than a defeat at Gallipoli. By the way, Bear, I love your clever signature!
I always remember, was brought to by my mother who served in the army.
And, I still have my Canadian Poppy, bought when out in Nov 2002.
It differs from the UK version because it has a green centre, ours is a black button.
Blue
x
Heart felt, Bear. We owe so much to so many.
We do the same in the U.S. as you in Canada.
I had not heard this poem in years. But on Sunday, a gentleman in Wales, whose blog I follow, posted a beautiful photo of a field of poppies for Remembrance Day, and as soon as I saw it this poem popped into my mind. We learned it in school
(The gentleman's name is Singing Bear.)
What a wonderful tribute. (And am I going crazy or did you change your template or background to your blog? I like it.)
When I was a child the red buddy poppies were sold everywhere. I don't know when the practice stopped, but someone must have pointed out that opium is derived from poppies and a politically correct person must have forced the elimination of selling them. What a shame; they are so beautiful.
I, too, love your bear signature. Very cute.
Yes, Bear. We all should remember and not just on this one day of the year. Thanks for writing this tribute and reminding everyone to be thankful. Muah!!!
Today and always.
Indeed, God bless all who have given of their lives to keep us free and protect us from harm.
How interesting that you have poppies in Canada too. In Britain everyone buys poppies to wear several weeks before 11th November. My son and daughter visited friends at the end of October and brought some back for us. The French wear cornflower badges but the practice is not very widespread. I only saw two people wearing them at the wreath laying ceremony this morning.
Lovely post .. a huge thank you to all the men and women who keep us safe
and to you for being the wonderful woman you are
:-Daryl
Lovely post. Very touching!
I can only say: amen! I happen to have had the same idea to post that poem. We don't celebrate our Remembrance Day on 11th November but on May 4/5th.But I always watch the ceremony in London on the Sunday nearest to 11th November.
Perfectly said.
That is one of poems that I have no trouble reciting from memory. In fact, I use it as a model whenever I attempt to write a rondeau.
I will never forget. Whether is Canada or the US. We are in this world together and memorials are wonderful.
Beautiful tribute, Bear!
Very nice indeed!
i had to memorize that in school and forever loved it. They are all so brave- no matter where they are sandy
Here in Australia we (or at least some of us) wear poppies (and/or sprigs of rosemary) on both Remembereance day and on Anzac day ... both are celebrated/remembered by a lot of people ... but only Anzac Day is a public holiday ... Most schools have a minute's silence at 11am on 11/11, or at least an assembly (on or near that day) with a minute's silence. Unfortunately a lot of people don't seem to give 2 hoots about either (or anything else important like that, for that matter), but I think both of these days are becoming more well known again in the last few years, so things might be changing for the better ... one can only hope ...
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