The Red Poppy of Remembrance.

Discussion in 'Anything Goes' started by 34468 Randy, Oct 27, 2021.

  1. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Messages:
    13,741
    Likes Received:
    1,557
    Trophy Points:
    158
    Location:
    Chilliwack, BC Canada
    Map
    The Poppy Campaign run by the Royal Canadian Legion is probably one of the most known campaigns in Canada. It runs from the last Friday in October, until November 11. Supporting this campaign by purchasing a poppy raises funds that go towards not only assistance to our veterans in need, but also other causes that are pivotal in helping out those who are in need, such as bursaries for continuing education of not only the families of veterans, but other students in need of assistance to finance their education.

    It was 107 years ago that hostilities began in what was to be the war to end all wars. Sadly, this was not to be the case. Armistice was signed four years later and the world sighed a breath of relief amid the tears of sorrow for those who died or perished in battle.

    Early in the hostilities, the landscape of the once beautiful fields of France and Belgium became muddy brown wasteland inhabited only by rats and our courageous Canadian and allied defenders. I suspect many there, crouched down in those horrid wet and muddy trenches for days, weeks, and months on end wondered why they were trying to capture such devastation? What would live here now?

    The spring of 1915, as farmers began to prepare their land close to the front lines, preparing to sew grain in hopes of better days, they discovered the common field or corn poppy blooming in all its red glory. A ray of brightness amongst the muddy brown wasteland around. A Canadian soldier named John McRae penned a poem sitting amongst these flowers after the death of a friend at that time. In Flanders' Fields became arguably the most famous words written in relation to the sacrifices made during that conflict.

    Mona Belle Michael (the Poppy Lady), an American woman working two days before the armistice was signed, at the YMCA Overseas War Secretaries HQ in New York happened across a copy of this poem. Though she had seen this poem before, this time it brought on new meaning. Especially the last verse. It was at that moment she made a personal pledge to keep the faith and always wear a red poppy of Flanders Fields as a sign of remembrance.

    That tradition continues here in Canada and other countries around the world. We should not forget this. To wear a poppy in memory of those who sacrificed ultimately for our way of life at home may be the thread that keeps us proud, thankful and free. To forget, would to allow tyranny to flourish. Would threaten our hard fought for freedoms enjoyed the remainder of the year without thought.

    This year on November 11, I will wear a nice shirt with French cuffs. Why? So I can wear the cuff links once belonging to my father. I will again look at photos of the Woman’s Tri Service Memorial, on Memorial Blvd in Winnipeg, conceived, and with assistance from many, raised by my mother. Both were veterans of the Second World War. Both long gone now sorrowfully missed but not forgotten and always loved.

    Thanks to people like them, we have the right to worship, or not. We will complain, or not. Hopefully all love, cry, and live our lives in comfort and freedom. It would be sad if the sacrifices made by our great people in our Canadian Armed Forces, and that of our allies, should be forgotten. So I take this moment to share with you these words. To reflect in my own way.

    To Remember.

    My sincere thanks to all members of the Canadian Military and our allies around the world. Let us not forget all those in the Maritime Services who sacrificed their lives during these conflicts as well. You all make me so proud.

    Lest We Forget.

    Lest We Forget.jpg
     
    Thumbs, Allyance, raYzerman and 2 others like this.
  2. RllwJoe

    RllwJoe Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2017
    Messages:
    1,116
    Likes Received:
    315
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Western Lower Peninsula, Michigan
    Map
    Thanks for the reminder Randy. Freedom from tyranny has proven itself to not be free, there is always a cost for it.
     
    Thumbs and 34468 Randy like this.
  3. Allyance

    Allyance Insider

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2013
    Messages:
    3,522
    Likes Received:
    391
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    East Bay, California
    Map
    Thank-you Randy, I have passed this well written piece to my best friend in Toronto, where I lived for 12 years. I will also pass this on to my two oldest children who are also Veterans. My son is actually a Veteran of two foreign wars. He went to the Gulf on the JFK aircraft carrier, then changed ships to the Kitty Hawk and went back to the Gulf again. My daughter, the oldest, was in the Army and went to Germany as an interrogator just as the Berlin wall came down.
     
    Thumbs likes this.
  4. 34468 Randy

    34468 Randy Secret Insider

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2007
    Messages:
    13,741
    Likes Received:
    1,557
    Trophy Points:
    158
    Location:
    Chilliwack, BC Canada
    Map
    Your family was well represented in the ranks of your military. Great news. I am sure your Veterans Day is a special day for your family as Remembrance Day is to mine here. I find it odd that the wearing of the poppy in honour of the fallen has its origins in the USA, but the practice did not take hold. I think the poppy is worn in the UK and Australia as well. I could be mistaken with Australia though.
     
    Thumbs likes this.
  5. fink

    fink Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2013
    Messages:
    1,590
    Likes Received:
    457
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Ardnamurchan Penninsula, Scotland
    Map
    Nicely Written.

    It’s a very humbling experience to visit the sites, where those young men gave their lives for our freedom.

    94B10D2C-938D-438D-AF3B-E4DEF25E60FA.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2021
    34468 Randy and Thumbs like this.
  6. Thumbs

    Thumbs Member

    Country:
    United Kingdom
    Joined:
    Jun 12, 2015
    Messages:
    1,582
    Likes Received:
    1,096
    Trophy Points:
    143
    Location:
    Bath(ish)
    A group of friends in Leicestershire called “The Yarn Bombers” do a knitted tribute every year, this year’s exhibit

    5B9E97FC-0764-4875-90E3-CD2BCFB1AB57.jpeg
     
    34468 Randy and squirrelman like this.
  7. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

    Country:
    Canada
    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2019
    Messages:
    1,228
    Likes Received:
    450
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Millgrove, ON
    Map
    fink and 34468 Randy like this.
Related Topics

Share This Page