Remembrance Day 2012- Remember...

Blog post by Tina Winterlik © 2012
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From Wikipedia
Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day or Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. 

This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. 

Photo by Tina Winterlik © 2012

Hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month," in accordance with the Armistice, signed by representatives of Germany and the Entente between 5:12 and 5:20 that morning. ("At the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.) World War I officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.
^{Read more here}

 RMR: Rick's Rant - Remember to Remember


Well done Rick!! This is so true, it made me think and made me teary. :(
Let's remember to remember! 

I remember the first time when I really understood what Remembrance Day was. I think I was 8 or 9. I was in Brownies and somehow I got to be my group's leader. That meant that I was chosen to walk with Guide and someone else (I forget who) and put a wreath of poppies at the Cenotaph.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Remembrance_march.jpeg

Photo by Joe Mabel

 For me is was a little scary and I remember I was very nervous. Everyone was so quiet and no one was smiling. It definitely imprinted me.  

I remember too that we all learned the poem in Flanders Fields in school. As I write this my daughter asks "Why did they fight? " That's a big question and I am not able to answer very well. We google and research it. She understand what Remembrance Day is about and tomorrow even though we are Mexico, we will take some time to remember...

I am sorry I do not know the illustrator of this image. Please tell me and I will credit them. 

 From Wikipedia
The poem was written by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae on 3 May 1915 after witnessing the death of his friend, a fellow soldier, the day before. The poem was first published on 8 December 1915 in the London-based magazine Punch.  Read more here.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:In_Flanders_fields_and_other_poems,_handwritten.png

In Flanders Fields

The first chapter of In Flanders Fields and Other Poems, a 1919 collection of McCrae's works, gives the text of the poem as follows:

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.

Copied from Canadian Living - thank you for sharing!

Why Wear a Poppy

"Please wear a poppy," the lady said,

And held one forth, but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there,
And her face was old and lined with care;

But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade.
A boy came whistling down the street,
...Bouncing along on care-free feet.

His smile was full of joy and fun,
"Lady," said he, "may I have one?"
When she'd pinned it on, he turned to say;
"Why do we wear a poppy today?"

The lady smiled in her wistful way
And answered; "This is Remembrance Day.
And the poppy there is a symbol for
The gallant men who died in war.

And because they did, you and I are free -
That's why we wear a poppy, you see.
I had a boy about your size,
With golden hair and big blue eyes.

He loved to play and jump and shout,
Free as a bird, he would race about.
As the years went by, he learned and grew,
And became a man - as you will, too.

He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile,
But he'd seemed with us such a little while
When war broke out and he went away.
I still remember his face that day.

When he smiled at me and said, 'Goodbye,
I'll be back soon, Mum, please don't cry.'
But the war went on and he had to stay,
And all I could do was wait and pray.

His letters told of the awful fight
(I can see it still in my dreams at night),
With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire,
And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

Till at last, at last, the war was won -
And that's why we wear a poppy, son."
The small boy turned as if to go,
Then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight
But your son - did he come back all right?"
A tear rolled down each faded cheek;
She shook her head, but didn't speak
I slunk away in a sort of shame,
And if you were me, you'd have done the same:

For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed,
Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!
And so, when we see a poppy worn,
Let us reflect on the burden borne
By those who gave their very all
When asked to answer their country's call
That we at home in peace might live.
Then wear a poppy! Remember - and Give!

Don Crawford

I am sorry I do not know the illustrator of this image. Please tell me and I will credit them.