Lest We Forget
Please take some time today to remember those who have fought and continue to fight for our country and our freedom. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we pay our respects with a moment of silence to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Here is one of Canada’s best known literary works, “In Flanders Fields” written during the First World War by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae.
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.
It’s important to teach our children about the significance of this day. We don’t want to bombard them with tales of war, but it’s important for them to understand our history and how it helped them get to where they are today.
The best part about taking the time to teach our children about Remembrance Day, is that we also get a renewed sense of pride in the efforts of the men and women who have fought so bravely for our country. That was my experience as I gathered information to share with my kids.
To all the men and women who have lost their lives and to those who have and continue to fight for our freedom; Thank You!
We went to one of the ceremonies just outside Ottawa today. My oldest was bored and doesn’t get it just yet. I have no idea how to explain it to him. However we have gone every year except last year since I had just had the baby.
We’re going to go down next year. It’s great that you are taking them though. Even if he looks bored, he’s still taking it all in.
My seventeen year old daughter spent the day at Ypres today and was touched/awed (her words) by the Canadian Remembrance day ceremonies there. I’m heartened by the fact that the world still remembers and will continue to educate the next generation. Great post.
Thanks, I can’t wait until next year, when I can take them both to the ceremony downtown. It’s going to be great.
Absolutely essential to share with your children. It’s all about showing respect, thankfulness, and pride for those who give everything to keep peace for us. Thanks for sharing Chris.
Thanks Gerry. Respect is one of the most important things I want to teach my kids. If nothing else, I hope they treat others with the utmost respect.