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Remembrance, November 11
Friday is Remembrance Day up here in Canada, and I believe Veterans day down in the US. My dad always called it Armistices Day when I was a kid, every November we?d be down watching him parade.
What sort of events do you guys do to remember?
In Canada we start wearing a poppy as a sign of respect to those who fought. Then, on the 11th day of the 11th month we head down to the cenotaph for a ceremony. Normally includes some speeches and a parade. Then wreaths are laid and respect paid. Then on the 11th minute, of the 11th Day, of the 11th month we have a minute of silence for those who fought and died. When those bagpipes play after I can?t keep the tears out of my eyes. Tradition dictates that we head to the Royal Canadian Legion after and buy a veteran a drink. It?s the only day of the year I won?t consider fishing.
This year I?m at the birth place of John McCrae. A distant relative and author of the famous poem, In Flanders Field, it seems a very fitting place to be on this day. I will remember our southern neighbours in our moments of silence.
In Flanders Field
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
by Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp officer, Dr. John McCrae [1872-1918]
(http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/general/sub.cf ... war/mccrae)
What will you be doing??
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Paul H.
"Whiskey is for drinking; Water is for Fighting over."
http://www.flymph.com/
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With the posting of this subject I can't help but think of our brave friend Evan and what he has sacrificed and still asks no pity for: the loss of both legs. Evan, I just want you to know that the post your Dad put on here has not been forgotten. Stay the wonderful person that you are,....Bob
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I'll be remembering ...
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Trouts don't live in ugly places
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I'll be remembering my brother who died in an F4 crash, my friend who didn't make it out of Viet Nam, the guy who works for me who is in Iraq - along with all the service men and women who have preserved our freedom to speak our minds, choose our friends and do what we want when we want to........
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FANTASTIC POST!
Bob...I also am thinking of Evan, who remains an inspiration to all & a tribute to all us Vets. Thanks Evan!!
In addition to saluting, supporting, & praying for all Vets, especially those currently in harms way, I want to salute another group.....As a VietNam Vet, I want to give a heartfelt salute & THANK YOU to the many fine "non-Vets" who offered, and continue to offer, support & prayer to all troops past & present. Believe me, you folks are the REAL heroes & heroines whose support enables & enabled Vets to make it through some trying times.
GOD BLESS you all!!!
Mike
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This site's about sharing!
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On the eleventh day, of the eleventh month, at the eleventh hour of the day....
The Great War to End All Wars, came to an end with an Armistice...not a victory, not a defeat, but a draw. Where both sides did not achieve their goals.... and from this Great War was laid the injustices that would lead to an even greater War, which in its aftermath, lead to a Cold War that lasted over 50 years.
At the end of the Cold War, people started talking about a "Peace Dividend"! Instead we have the breakup of Empires, and the rebirth of religious zealots spreading death and destruction.
The battle continues, even as we ponder how to finally have "Peace on Earth, Goodwill towards Humankind"!
Platoon Sergeant
U.S. Army, Retired
1968 - 1995
[This message has been edited by Steven H. McGarthwaite (edited 10 November 2005).]
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"If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields"
Every canadian school kid learned that poem when I went to school .
Tomorrow I shall not break that faith . I go to honor My Kinfolks who died in both great wars for their country and to my Friend Paul dejardins who passed away Yesterday . Paul was a Canadian and a Vietnam war vet who paid the price with poor health resulting from his tour untill yesterday when He finally found peace .
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Thank you to all the vets out there, and especially to those who never made it home. Every man, woman and child in this country owes you a debt of gratitude. I'll be thinking of you all tomorrow.
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-Kyle-
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Rememerance Day in Australia also, Lest we forget
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Shane,
Of course we can't forget our Aussie friends.....met some great ones in Vung Tau, South VietNam. You guys not only know how to party, but you can fight at my side ANY day!
Mike
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This site's about sharing!