Remembrance

On November 11th, all Canadians should take time to pay homage to our fallen heroes as part of Remembrance Day. I remember when I was in the Army Cadets in Ottawa we took part in this day by firing one of the guns as part of the official salute. It is always a moving and solemn occasion when we remember the sacrifice of the ultimate in public servants.

On this occasion, we should all re-read the poem by John McCrae

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.