Lest We Forget

To honour our veterans here in Canada, we wear poppy pins on the left side, symbolizing that they are remembered in our hearts. There are parades and wreath laying ceremonies. Banks and stores are closed for the day. Children have the day off from school. I remember when I was in elementary school, we had to memorize the "In Flanders Fields" poem by Canadian soldier, John McCrae.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae, May 1915

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.

When Steve and I took our Europe road trip to Norway when we were stationed in Sicily, one of the countries we visited was Belguim. We stayed in Ypres where in the First World War, the town was almost completely demolished. There are many war cemetaries in the town along with memorials to those who lost their lives to fight for our freedom. Each night the town holds a parade followed by a wreath laying ceremony. Veterans come from all over to participate. Steve and I had the chance to see the parade and ceremony, which was quite touching. It is a memory I will never forget. Thank you veterans!