November 10 eNews

Dear friends and neighbours,

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, a time to pause and remember those who have served our country during times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping.

We reflect on the courage of those who have supported Canadian military efforts, we mourn the Canadians who sacrificed for the peace and freedoms we enjoy today, and we salute the Canadians who continue to selflessly serve our country.

This year is a particularly special Remembrance Day. It is the 100th anniversary of the red poppy—a symbol that was inspired by John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields. In his poem, McCrae offers us his wisdom on how we can pay proper respects to our fallen—and his words still ring true today: 

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.

117,000 Canadians have loved our country so dearly that they were willing to give their life for it. These sacrifices cannot be forgotten. We must carry on the torch of those who came before us, building upon the many things which make Canada exceptional in hopes of creating an even better country for future generations.

Let us remember, lest we forget.

Sincerely,
Frances