Lest We Forget

This day, November 11, marks the end of much suffering, mourning and tears. It was today in 1918 that WWI finally ended, and since has been a day to remember and commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces, and civilians in all times of war.







Each November, over thirteen million poppies blossom in Canada. They blossom on the jackets, dresses and hats of nearly half the Canadian population and they have blossomed for almost 75 years, since 1921, when this tradition first began. The poppy is the symbol used to show that they remember those who were killed in the wars and peace keeping operations that Canada has been involved in.

The person responsible for the adoption of the poppy in Canada was a Canadian Medical Officer during WWI, Lt. Col. John McCrae of Guelph Ont, and his poem, In Flanders Fields (France) is still recited on this day in many schools, and memorial services occurring across the country.

In Canada, it is easy to take for granted our current way of life, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms in our constitution ensures that all Canadians enjoy protection under this law. Soldiers who went off to war went in the belief that such rights and freedoms were being threatened. They truly believed that "Without freedom there can be no ensuring peace and without peace no enduring freedom."

In remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognize the tradition of freedom they fought to preserve. These men and women had faith in the future and by their acts gave us the will to preserve peace for all time. On Remembrance Day, we acknowledge the courage and gallantry of those who served their country.


And so on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, I invite you to join in with so many others in a moment of silence on this years REMEMBRANCE DAY.

In Flander's 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 Flander's 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, tho poppies grow
In Flander's fields.

Liet. -Col. John McCrae

A Part of Our Heritage- Flanders Fields Short Video Clip