Today is a sombre day in Canada, a day we stop to remember all those that fought and are still fighting for freedom and basic human rights.
As a child I never fully understood the significance of this day. But as an adult with an understanding of the horrors that happen around the world, I am so incredibly grateful for the country I live in, the basic rights and privileges that we take for granted, that were fought for so long ago.
So today I am going to leave with you a poem that most school children in Canada learn this time of year, in order to honour and remember those who fought for freedom.
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 falling hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, through poppies grow
In Flanders fields
-Lt. Cl. John McCrae
XO Barbara
What a beautiful tribute with images.
ReplyDeleteLike you, my post today speaks of Canadian heroes and one specifically.
Thank you
Helen Tilston
Thank you for your wonderful post. I used to go to the cenotaph with my nana every year to remember my grandfather and everyone else. It hurts not to be with her today, but at 11am I made sure to have my minute of silence in my office. I was remembering the trumpets and reciting the poem in my head. Thanks again for the post.
ReplyDeleteLoved it! Come check out my tribute!
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Barbara... I am very grateful on this day, and have worked hard to ensure my daughter understands the significance and meaning, the sacrifices behind today... and every day that we enjoy our freedom...
ReplyDeletexo Sheila
Beautiful post Barbara, it is so important to teach the younger generation about the history and reason behind the poppy. I am proud to say that I had a couple of grandfathers and great great grandfathers who faught the war. One of them even lied about his age so that he could go fight it. He was only 14!! Thank you for posting!
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