Remembrance Day in Canada
On Nov. 11, 1918, at 11 a.m, peace went into effect, ending the war between the Allies and Germany, and marking the end of the First World War. Since then, Canadians have honoured their veterans and war dead with a ceremony and two minutes of silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Today, there will be ceremonies around the country in memorial parks, community halls, workplaces, schools and homes to observe a moment of silence and mark the sacrifice of so many. The Canadian Legion organizes ceremonies in over 1400 communities and aims to perpetuate the traditions of Remembrance and ensure Canada “never forgets”.
Every year, from the last Friday in October to Remembrance Day, Canadians wear poppies as a symbol of recognition of the debt owed to those who gave their lives for our freedom.
In Flanders Field
“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.”
That poem was written by John McCrae, a Canadian Physician Lieutenant Colonel, in 1915. He was inspired to write it after presiding over a funeral of a fellow solder. Its references to red poppies that grew on the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders Fields, France, resulted in them becoming one of the world’s most recognized symbols for soldiers who have died or been injured in conflict. It’s one of our nations best-known and treasured literary works.
Remembrance Day is for remembering soldiers like Dallaire. He enlisted for World War I in 1914, but was injured by shrapnel in 1915. The doctors had no choice but to amputate his leg, changing his life forever. It’s because of people like Dallaire that Canada is the country it is today. We will be forever grateful – thank you.
If you can, please visit a ceremony today in your local community and/or observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m.
From Your Crew,
@ Last Frontier Heliskiing
About Liam Harrap
Liam grew up in Jasper, Alberta – a perfect place for scrambling pointy things and survival skiing. He loves to travel to cold and miserable places, as long as he has a steaming mug of tea and good grub to fry in bacon fat. He completed his undergrad (via taking the scenic route of 7 years) at the University of British Columbia in English Literature, but has only worked in jobs relating to Biology and skiing. He has worked for Last Frontier Heliskiing for the past two winters as a radio operator at Ripley Creek.View all posts by Liam Harrap