“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.
Canadian military doctor and artillery commander Major John McCrae wrote this poem when a lieutenant friend was killed on May 2nd, 1915 near Ypres, Belgium. In Canada, we have to recite this poem every single year at school around the month of November and I can still recite it from my memory now.
That’s how important today is to Canadians and the Commonwealth countries as they commemorate their armed forces who died in the line of duty in the First World War and beyond.
Inspired by this poem, poppies are worn today as a symbol of the blood spilled in the battles. The battlefields of Flanders were some of the worst, in terms of lives lost, in World War I and Poppies continue to bloom across these fields today. Poppy wreaths are laid on the memorials at Remembrance ceremonies held today all over the world.
So take the time today to wear a poppy and attend a Remembrance Day ceremony today.
Cheers,
Queenie
INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com
While Germany has a majestic eagle, Denmark a romantic swan and Spain a potent bull, Canada sends a beaver to enter the contest of national animals. Of all the amazing wildlife this country has to offer, it is a cute little beaver that represents Canada. One has to admit that there are fair arguments behind this choice. Back in 1975, when the beaver was announced to be the official national emblem, beaver fur trade had been the reason why a lot of Canada’s wilderness exploration had taken place at all and the animal used to be a symbol of industry in general. Apart from that, beavers are caring parents! Today however, people start talking about a replacement with an animal which represents the splendid beauty of Canada. Oh and there are so many to choose from! What about moose, grizzly or black bear, buffalo and polar bear for example! In my opinion, Canada just needs something more powerful, big and impressive to be symbolized by. What do you guys think about that? Polar bear? Moose? Rather stick to the furry little beaver? Leave a comment and share your opinion!
INTERNeX Canada 