Remembrance Day

In Flanders Fields
By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918), Canadian Army

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.



This poem was written the day after one of McCrae's closest friends, Lieut. Alexis Helmer of Ottawa, was killed.


Today I remember my family: Len G., Eddie J. and Bob D., who all fought in World World II and were fortunate enough to come home.

And today I think of my friends: Alan R. and Todd M., who have chosen to stand up for us now.

And I remember the 42 Canadian soldiers who have given their lives in Afghanistan. The 516 Canadians that died in the Korean War and the 27,000 that served. The 45,615 Canadians that died in WWII and the 1.1 million that served. The 68,260 Canadians that died in WWI and the 620,000 that served. And the 116 Canadians that died on peacekeeping missions and the more than 125,000 that served and still serve.

Thank you.

Lest we forget....


If you would like to hear a modern day tribute to soldiers, check out Shawn Hlookoff and listen to his song titled Soldier.