Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day was first observed in 1919 to honor our soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  Originally called Armistice Day, it commemorates the end of World War 1 which took place on November 11, 1918 at 11:00am or the 11th  hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. 

Armistice Day became known as Remembrance Day on November 11, 1931.  Today it recognizes the 1,500,000 Canadian soldiers who have served their country and the 118,000 soldiers who gave their lives in battle. 

The poppy was embraced as a symbol of remembrance to fallen soldiers and to assist in raising funds by the Great War Veterans Association of Canada on July 5, 1921. The poppy was chosen as it grows wild over many of the fields in Northern France and Belgium. This is where many of the bloodiest battles took place and it is said the poppies grow abundantly from the lime in the soil from the debris of these battles.  Poppies are a strong but delicate flower and so it is a fitting reminder of our fallen soldiers.     

The poppy campaign kicks off annually on the last Friday of October and runs to November 11th each year with over 18 million poppies being distributed.  The funds raised go to support veterans and their families in financial distress, and to aid in funding for medical equipment, research, home services and long term care facilities. The proper way to wear a poppy is on the left lapel of a jacket or as close to the heart as possible.   

In Flanders Fields is a war poem written by Canadian soldier Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915 for the funeral of a friend who died in battle. It was first published on December 8, 1915.

“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.

 

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