A Day to Remember
By: Fatima Farhan, a volunteer with the Edgemont Youth Press
November 11th. Remembrance day, a day which marks the end of the First World War, Monday, November 11th, 1918. On this day we remember and acknowledge the heroic soldiers who served and sacrificed.
How can we remember?
A moment of silence can be given on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in the year. Adding on, there are many ceremonies hosted across Calgary, for example the Military Museums, their ceremony includes the laying of wreaths on the Eternal Flame Monument, guests of honor which include the mayor of Calgary and veterans.
Poppies are also a way in which we remember. So why exactly do we wear poppies?
It all starts with Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was a Canadian physician and soldier during World War 1. On May 2nd 1915, sadly, one of McCrae’s friend and fellow soldier died on the battlefield during the Second Battle of Ypres. McCrae noticed how the poppies began to grow in the battlefield and around the graves of fallen soldiers and he decided to write a poem. Today, “In Flanders Fields” is read around the world to remember the fallen.
“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.”
-John McCrae
The poppy is now worn as a symbol of respect to all those who served in war. The week of November 5th-11th is Veterans week with November 8th being Indigenous Veterans day. In the First World War alone, there were over 4,000 Indigenous soldiers who served for Canada.
In conclusion, November 11 is a day we honor and respect the brave soldiers who have served in the wars for our freedom.