~Lest We Not Forget~

In Canada we remember our fallen soldiers and those that are still in service on November 11, Remembrance Day. We wear a poppy on our left side in honour and remembrance. The symbol of the poppy came from the observation of poppies growing over fallen soldiers graves in Flanders Fields. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, a medical officer with the Canadian Forces, penned the poem that every Canadian child learns in school, "In Flanders Fields." Poppies are a perennial, re-seeding and growing year after year. They represent hope and reassurance. I remember my favourite colour in my pencil crayon box was named "Poppy Red." Maybe that is why I love red throughout my house.

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 falling hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, through poppies grow

In Flanders fields

~Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae~