90 years ago today, at 11:11am, the armistice was signed.
My Great Grandfather served in that war. My Grandfather served in the following war.
Today, I work with the Department of National Defence, and I am made aware of the realities of war daily. I am thankful that I was born in a country where I need not even be aware of those realities, save as a short clip on the evening news. I am thankful to the men and women who give up the comforts of home, the closeness of family, and so much more – potentially all, facing these realities head on so that we can continue our peaceful lives, and hopefully, bring that peace and comfort to others who do not currently have it.
Thank You.
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.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae
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