November 11: Lest we forget

And now for something completely different: this post has nothing to do with marketing. It’s about Veterans Day, or Remembrance day as it’s called in Canada, and Flanders Fields.

Growing up in Canada, Remembrance Day was always a day off school, but I would get annoyed with my dad because he would make us go down to the Senataph for the services conducted by the military. At that time I had no understanding or respect for what was going on.

Everybody wore a poppy. I haven’t been in Canada on November 11th for 17 years, but I hope they still wear poppies. The poppy is symbolic of Flanders Fields, and the tragic loss of life there in World War 1.

I think all Canadian children must have been taught the Poem: Flander Fields. If you haven’t heard it, here it is:

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.

Now I’m a little older, I have a lot more respect for November 11th and why my dad dragged us kids down to a service that was very meaningful to him, who lost his favorite uncle and many other family members in World War 2.

So, I’m writing this blog post to honor all those that died, in many different countries, that you and I can be free. I’m also writing it to remind us all that November 11th is a day of Remembrance, a day of respect, and we should all spend some time honoring it, and remembering those that died, and continue to die, for our freedoms.

I’ll end with this Bryan Adams tribute song- if you live outside of Canada it’s likely the only Bryan Adams song you’ve never heard: