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??
Paul H.
“Whiskey is for drinking; Water is for Fighting over.”
http://www.flymph.com/
