Remembrance Day in Canada, 11/11/11
On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, Canadians pause for two minutes of silence, to remember all who served in Canada’s armed forces, particularly the wounded and the fallen. Millions of poppies are sold worldwide each year throughout the commonwealth to support veterans and their families. In 2014 a record of 19 million poppies was sold in Canada alone. On Remembrance Day, we stand together, poppies pinned close to our hearts on our left lapels.
Lest We Forget
My father was a member of the Royal Canadian Regiment for 26 years and a Korean War vet. Although not physically injured, he did suffer from PTSD. These photos were taken at the RCR Museum in London, Ontario. Click on them to enlarge:
IN FLANDERS FIELDS
This is the famous poem written by a Canadian military doctor in WWI, recited at every ceremony.
My father’s military memorabilia. He died in 2011.
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It’s also Veterans Day in the U.S.
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Dog Mom and (retired) Canine Innkeeper in suburban Toronto, Canada, known as The Doglady. Former corporate workaholic. Writer, photographer, digital creator. Animal lover, music fanatic, inveterate traveller. Eternal hippie/rockchick. History, literature and cinema buff. Hockey and soccer fan. Dedicated night owl. German/Canadian binational, multilingual. Let me entertain you!
13 thoughts on “#RemembranceDay #LestWeForget #CanadaRemembers”
I never give Remembrance Day a thought because this day does not include to remember ALL those who lost their lives in WWI and WW2 … like gypsies and other eastern Europeans … like my grandmother Maria, her sister Anna and her sister Uta … Maria (45) made it via train to Siberia and died somewhere there, Anna (47) had epilepsy and was shot on the spot, so was Uta (49) cuz she refused to be raped … my mom Elsie (14) was spared cuz Maria put her on some train going west before the raid … My mom doesn’t speak much about all this … but when she drinks she does, she says over and over: “Du must hier weg aber wir versprechen Dir … Wir kommen nach” … but they never did, friend Debbie … ya … Anyway … ya … Love, cat.
That’s a very sad story. 🙁 Your family endured much hardship as did so many during these wars. My mother was jailed for refusing to work for the Nazis but, at least, she wasn’t physically harmed. Whoever said “war is hell” wasn’t kidding! Thank you for coming by and sharing your story, dear cat.
I love that poem. I’d never read it before and I love how you always include America in your posts. 🙂 Many thanks to your dad. <3
That poem is recited every Remembrance Day and always brings a tear to the eye. I have close ties to America, through my parents who moved to San Diego in 1974, and also many internet friends. It seems only natural to include it. Thanks for coming by, Mimi. 🙂
Debbie,
What a beautiful tribute to the Canadian servicemen! It touched me to see Canadians pause to respect the fallen and it saddens me when I think of how ungrateful some Americans are for his/her fellow servicemen and country. I say thank you to your father for his brave service to not only Canada but to the world, because his selflessness protected us all! God bless the Canadian servicemen/women, Veterans and those who gave their lives!
Thank you for those lovely words, Cathy. ♥ Yes, Remembrance Day is an important celebration in many Commonwealth countries and the poppy the most visible symbol. It’s actually a whole week, known as “Veteran’s Week” from Nov. 5-11.
I wasn’t aware of the 11 11 thing until I heard about it earlier today. Oddly though, on Saturday I happened to look at the clock at 11:11 and paused to reflect anyway. Repeated numbers on my digital clocks tend to catch my attention.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Wonderful post Debbie. I really liked viewing the collage images and the Brian Williams piece on the Highway of Heroes. Do you all still do that, on the bridges? What an incredible tradition and what a beautiful way to honor the soldiers and their sacrifice. And the impact it must have on the grieving families.
I also love the flag, half Canadian, half US, marking our long-standing relationship as strong allies.
I haven’t seen any poppies being sold around here.
I read your other post about your Dad coming home with malaria and white hair! What he must have endured to not be able to talk about it with his loved ones. Some of those memories will forever be buried…
Nice to see a post from you. Yesterday was my birthday and I grew up being told I was born on Armistice Day.
I love your post here. I hope this time honored tradition stands for as long as we have days.
Beautiful post! We do the same thing here in Australia at the same time! Great tradition to remember all those who sacrificed so much!
http://tropicalcolours.blogspot.com.au
Thanks Debbie … many of us are remembering all those who have served, are serving and their friends and family … with thoughts for a peaceful weekend – Hilary
I wish we had the two minutes of silence in the U.S. Perhaps I can help start the tradition. When I was a child, I saw veterans selling poppies quite often. My father always bought some. I haven’t seen them in years.
Love,
Janie