On Friday, at the eleventh hour
of the eleventh day
of this eleventh month,
with red poppies pinned close to our hearts,
Canadians across our nation will share two silent minutes of reflection and respect to remember those who served our country.
Two minutes for those whose hearts ceased beating far too soon.
Two minutes for countless, selfless acts of courage given in exchange for our freedom.
Two minutes for indescribable sacrifice.
It's an honour and a privilege for Canadians to pause to remember and respect those who serve.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, please honour those who have given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom we assume as our right.
May we never forget.
In Flanders Fields
~ 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.
