A couple of weeks ago I started noticing people wearing red flowers, poppies to be exact, on their lapel. Finally I asked someone. I got a great explanation and a copy of this poem written by John McCrae who, by the way, was from Guelph.

November 11th is "Remembrance Day" in Canada. The United States acknowledge "Veterans Day" on this same day. The flags were half mast and at 11:00am people took a couple of moments to "Remember". In Church Sunday, a clip was shown of Canadian Soldiers, past and present, serving their Country on the battlefield. It was very moving as many in the congregation had served in years gone by. It was interesting how the uniforms were different, but the experience was the same for these people, both those who were, [and are], gone to war and those who were, [and are], on the home front.

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 (1872 - 1918)