Why we wear a poppy. In World War I, World War II, in the Korean War and in Afghanistan Canadian solders fought on the battle fields in Europe and Asia.
In World War I Canadians Fought as part of the British Empire’s forces. Our solders fought in many different theatres in that war. They were part of the Imperial army at Ypres in Belgium. On our own our army fought and won the Battle of Vimy Ridge and we were in the final push to win at Pashiendale.
It was at the battle of Ypres that Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea wrote the famous poem In Flanders Fields. He wrote the poem after attending the funeral for a close friend Lieutenant Alex Helmer who was killed at the battle of Ypres. It is that poem that inspired the use of the poppy for remembrance. (In Flanders Fields the poppies blow between the crosses row on row) That image of hundreds of crosses of the solders who died during that battle and the subsequent and battles is the reason that we wear poppies in November. (Take up our quarrel with the foe To you from failing hands we throw The torch – be yours to hold on high) The foe is no longer the enemies of our country, the foe is apathy and ignorance. We cannot be allowed to forget their sacrifices. The past governments of our country acquiesced to the needs of the solders who survived and in doing so opened up our democracy. We Canadians have more freedom of expression and civil rights then the citizens of many of other countries. (If you break faith with who die We shall not Sleep though poppies grow in Flanders Fields) Remember to wear a poppy and respect their sacrifices.
THEY WILL NOT GROW OLD
AS WE THAT ARE LEFT GROW OLD,
AGE WILL NOT WEARY THEM
OR THE YEARS COMDENM,
AT THE GOING OF THE SUN
AND IN THE MORNING WE
WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Remembrance Day Service
- Those who are in the parade meet at the Legion by 10:30 am
- Parade to March off at 10:50
- Service starts at 10:59 with O Canada
- 2 Minutes Silence 11:00
- Remembrance Service to follow
- Chili and Sandwiches will be served at the Legion afterwards
