It was 102 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 Flander’s 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 Secretariet 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. Today I wear a nice shirt with French cuffs. Why? So I can wear the cuff links once belonging to my father. I look at photos of the Woman’s Tri Service Memorial in Winnipeg, conceived, and with assistance, 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, complain, love, cry, and live our lives in comfort and freedom. It would be sad if the sacrifices made by our great people in our 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 Them. 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
Thanks for sharing, Randy. My grandfather fought against the Nazis. Ibwas lucky he came home so I could know him for a short while as a child. Others made the ultimate sacrifice. Here's to them and the sacrifices they made so we could be free today.
