Lest We Forget

Today we were able to attend the Remembrance Day ceremonies held by the town. One of the speakers reminded us that without the sacrifice made by those who fought for our freedoms and continue to fight, our children wouldn't have the opportunities they enjoy. The freedoms we often take for granted would be unknown to us. This was especially touching to me as I thought of the great community and great country we live in.

I always have tears in my eyes when we sing O Canada, but this year was especially poignent as I watched my two oldest children play the music as they participated in the band. My son was also given the privilege of playing the last post to begin the two minutes of silence and then the reveille. He did such a great job and I was so proud of him as he was able to honour those who sacrificed everything. We always insist on the whole family attending the ceremonies, and I only hope that as the memories of the great wars become more distant, my own children will still feel some measure of respect and reverence that I feel.

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.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)