Remembrance Day - Lest We Forget

[Isaac Brock]

In most of the Commonwealth countries, today is Remembrance Day. Today is a day to remember those who have fallen in the service of our country and other countries and all casaulties of war. It's not a day to dabble in the politics of who was right and who was wrong, but to remember those who fought, unquestionably for their country.

With WWI, WWII and the Korean war falling quickly from our memories, it is important to remember what the Great Sacrfice means and to remember the terrible price of war. On the 11th Day, of the 11th Month on the 11th hour, the Act of Remembrance is observed for a momment of silence. It is tradition that everyone wear a Poppy on this day over their heart. The poppy came from the terrible killing plains of Flanders in WWI, where poppies grew indescriminantly on the fertlile graves of the dead, English, Canadian, French and German.

Last year I posted "In Flanders Fields", this year I'll post "Why Wear a Poppy" by Don Crawfold.

Lest We Forget

“Please wear a poppy”, the lady said
and held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care,
But beneath the scares the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.

A boy came whistling down the street,
Bouncing along on care-free feet
His smile was full of joy and fun,
“Lady”, said he “May I have one?”
When she pinned it on he turned to say,
“Why do we wear a poppy, today?”

The lady smiled In her wistful way,
And answered “This is Remembrance Day,
And the poppy there is the symbol for
The gallant men ands women who died in war,
And because they did, you and I are free,
That’s why we wear a poppy, you see.

I had a boy about your size,
With golden hair and big blue eyes.
He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird he would race about.
As the years went by he learned and grew
And became a man - - as you will too.”

He was fine and strong with a boyish smile,
But he’d seemed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away.
I still remember his face that day
When he smiled at me and said “good-by,
I’ll soon be back, Mon, so please don’t cry”.

But the war went on and he had to stay,
All I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight,
(I can see it still in my dreams at night.)
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire”.

“Till at last, war was won,
And that’s why we wear a poppy son”.
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said “thanks, lady”, I’m glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight.
But your son – did he come back all right?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek,
She shook her head, but didn’t speak.
I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me you have done the same,
For our thanks in giving, is oft delayed,
Through our freedom was bought – And thousands paid,

And so when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their, very all
And asked to answer their country’s call,
That we at home in peace might live.
Then wear a poppy. Remember – and Give!

 

[CSM]

In most of the Commonwealth countries, today is Remembrance Day. Today is a day to remember those who have fallen in the service of our country and other countries and all casaulties of war. It's not a day to dabble in the politics of who was right and who was wrong, but to remember those who fought, unquestionably for their country.

With WWI, WWII and the Korean war falling quickly from our memories, it is important to remember what the Great Sacrfice means and to remember the terrible price of war. On the 11th Day, of the 11th Month on the 11th hour, the Act of Remembrance is observed for a momment of silence. It is tradition that everyone wear a Poppy on this day over their heart. The poppy came from the terrible killing plains of Flanders in WWI, where poppies grew indescriminantly on the fertlile graves of the dead, English, Canadian, French and German.

Last year I posted "In Flanders Fields", this year I'll post "Why Wear a Poppy" by Don Crawfold.

Lest We Forget

Very powerful piece. I often think of the families who suffer the loss of a loved one because of our wars. It is easy to dismiss their loss by saying they can be proud of their son's or daughter's service; but the fact is they have sacrificed as well.

 

[Shattered]

I loved it.. I took it with me to another board... Maybe they'll fight just a bit less today over there.

 

[janeeng]

Another great post!!!! Thanks for sharing that Isaac!

 

[Said1]

In most of the Commonwealth countries, today is Remembrance Day. Today is a day to remember those who have fallen in the service of our country and other countries and all casaulties of war. It's not a day to dabble in the politics of who was right and who was wrong, but to remember those who fought, unquestionably for their country.

With WWI, WWII and the Korean war falling quickly from our memories, it is important to remember what the Great Sacrfice means and to remember the terrible price of war. On the 11th Day, of the 11th Month on the 11th hour, the Act of Remembrance is observed for a momment of silence. It is tradition that everyone wear a Poppy on this day over their heart. The poppy came from the terrible killing plains of Flanders in WWI, where poppies grew indescriminantly on the fertlile graves of the dead, English, Canadian, French and German.

Last year I posted "In Flanders Fields", this year I'll post "Why Wear a Poppy" by Don Crawfold.

Lest We Forget

Nice post Isaac! I wanted to take the kids downtown to watch the ceremonies today, but freezing rain has put an end to that idea!

 

[NATO AIR]

thank you issac. very powerful

 

[Isaac Brock]

Nice post Isaac! I wanted to take the kids downtown to watch the ceremonies today, but freezing rain has put an end to that idea!

I saw on TV the ceremonies. Isn't always odd that every Rememberance Day I can remember watching in Ottawa is cloudy and gloomy? That is, until the Veteran's March, where sun peaks out. I always found that odd and perhaps quite suiting.