Vimy Ridge
Every year on November 11th Canadians across the country pause in silence to remember the anniversary of the end of the first world war. We honour those who fought for Canada. We remember the sacrifices they made for their generation and the generations that followed. And we remember the obligation to duty they passed on to us. More than 100,000 died. They gave their lives and their future so that we may live in peace.
We pay tribute to our Canadian forces members who returned home -- their lives, and the lives of their families, forever changed. We recognize and thank their families deeply for their steadfast support and for their own quiet and personal sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those currently serving overseas, carrying on a proud tradition forged by those who came before them.
This year we especially turn our thoughts to the valiant soldiers who so recently made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our way of life. Inspired by their memory, and guided by their example, we renew our pledge to continue defending the values that make Canada a country we are proud to serve and proud to call home.
Source: DND Website
In Flanders Fields
By 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.
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