In Remembrance
November 7, 2018
Armistice Day, better known as Remembrance Day, is upon us.
It is a time to reflect and show our respect to the brave people who served and continue to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces.
This year, November 11th marks the 100th anniversary of the 1918 Armistice agreement that ended the First World War: The War to end all Wars.
Each year, veterans and legion members volunteer their time in our communities to offer poppies as a show of remembrance. In return, they ask for a modest donation to assist with the costs of programs offered through the legion for Canada’s Veterans.
We wear the poppy to show our respect for the more than 2,300,000 Canadians who have served throughout our nation’s history, and to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 118,000 of those in service. In the Afghanistan conflict alone, Canada has lost 158 soldiers.
The poppy’s significance dates back to World War 1 and Canadian Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. After witnessing the death of a friend, McCrae wrote a poem on a scrap of paper. That poem was In Flanders Field. Poppies grew wild and could be fund in abundance over the soldiers’ graves near Flanders Field.
McCrae’s poem went on to become a national symbol of remembrance.
Time and time again, Canadians have stepped up when the world called. Our soldiers have fought in every World War and major conflict, from Korea to Afghanistan. Canada proudly supports United Nations missions around the world in support of peace.
Over the past six decades, more than 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served in dozens of international peace missions to more than 35 countries. Approximately 130 Canadians died in these efforts. Many more soldiers suffered injuries as well.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633 proudly supports those serving in our military. We offer our gratitude to our past and present members of the Canadian Armed Forces. And, to our fallen soldiers, we offer our most compassionate, heartfelt thanks.
Lest We Forget
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.
Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae