Remember Them; Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day

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.

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, May 3, 1915

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote those touching words after presiding over a funeral for a friend and fallen soldier during the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium in World War I. Canadian soldiers fought fiercely in the battle, but more than 2,000 died in Flanders alone.

Care, Compassion, Respect

Since Confederation, more than 118,000 Canadians have lost their lives in defense of Canada. Every year, we don poppies in the lead up to Remembrance Day on November 11th. We are given the task to remember and honour those who have served our great country. Their ultimate sacrifice was made, so that we may have our Freedom.

All that is asked is that you and all Canadians take the time to honour that sacrifice. Talk to a veteran. Listen to their stories. Wear a poppy. Attend a ceremony at your local Cenotaph or Memorial. Make a donation to your local legion. Understand the sacrifices that were made.

Pause for two minutes of silence…

Do your part to remember those we serve. It’s the least we can do. Lest we forget.