Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. On the 11th hour, 11th day of the 11th month (11:00 11 November) of 1918 the Armistice was signed ending WW1. Canada was a very integral part of that war and as such it is a day that is somberly celebrated. Every year growing up we had a program to remember the day. Everyone in Canada wore poppies pinned to their coats, had 2 minutes of silence at 11:00 am and a special poem was read. I think everyone who went to school in Canada has memorized the poem at one time. It's special for me to remember this day as I don't get to participate in the programs or have my kids know what this is about.


In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

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.