Lest we Forget

Today, November 11th, is Remembrance Day in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth. On the 11th day of the 11th month, at the 11th hour on the 11th minute, we pause for a minute of silence to honour those who have fought and died for our freedom.

I posted earlier in the week about my poppy, and the symbolism of why we wear a poppy for the 2 weeks prior to Remembrance Day. Here is a brief history of its origins:

"The association between the poppy and war dates back to the Napoleonic wars, when a writer saw a field of poppies growing over the graves of fallen soldiers.

During the Battle of Ypres in 1915, Canadian Lt.-Col. John McCrae was inspired to write the poem In Flanders Fields on sighting the poppies growing beside a grave of a close friend who had died in battle.

In Flanders fields the poppies grow
      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.

The poem was a great inspiration in adopting the poppy as the Flower of Remembrance in Canada, France, the U.S, Britain and Commonwealth countries.

The first poppies were distributed in Canada in 1921.

Today the volunteer donations from the distribution of millions of poppies is an important source of revenue for the Royal Canadian Legion that goes toward helping ex-servicemen and women buy food, and obtain shelter and medical attention."

-CBC news Canada

Like many of my readers, I have several family members that have served in the military. Most recently, my younger brother served in Afghanistan, and he continues his service in the full-time Canadian military today. I am thankful for the sacrifice and service of all of our troops.