Yesterday marked the hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War. To commemorate this day, November 11th is designated in most Euro-American countries, as a day to remember and thank all soldiers, fallen or otherwise.
Remembrance Day has been around for 100 years now. But despite its long history, the day – and I say this in shame – always seems to sneak up on me. Granted, with all the commercials that try to make money out of anything and everything, it’s hard to forget. However, I feel like I’m not the only one who feels the enormous temperature gap in the enthusiasm, compared to any other holiday. And I say this without shame this time, that I somewhat feel shamed by this disparity. More so considering the significance of this day.
It shouldn’t be a day that surprises anybody. Nor a day that just we let pass on. Rather, it should be a day that is talked about and that people are ready for long in advance. It should be a day for us to come together to honor the brave men and women who still to this day keep us safe, day in and day out.
One hundred years ago, towards the end of the war, a Canadian army doctor named Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae wrote a poem called “In Flanders Fields” to try to immortalize the fallen soldiers who served alongside him.
In Flanders Fields
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.
Every year on November 11th, Canadians celebrate by taking a moment of silence, and by reciting this poem while wearing their poppies proudly on their chests. We take a moment at 11AM to remember and thank the brave men and women who sacrifice everything to protect us and keep us safe. They sacrifice their time, relationships, and lives for us. Some soldiers who make it back alive are forever changed by the horrors that they were once forced to witness. They deserve our thanks, and so much more.
On behalf of the Vina community, thank you, for all that you do and have done.
Find your community of people to honor our veterans on the Hey! VINA app this Remembrance Day!
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