11/11/08

It is the 90th anniversary of Armistace Day, ending the First World War. I'm stuck here in the USA where a poppy is nowhere to be found. My roommate innocently asks during hockey broadcasts: "What's with the flowers that everyone's wearing? Why are they wearing them, how long does it last?" Meanwhile I sit here through Memorial Day (in May) and Veteran's Day (Nov 11) where in the US "It's a holiday so lets have a sale!" I couldn't imagine a Rememberance Day Sale. It's dishonourable, disrespectful, and downright wrong to have hyped-up sales on a somber occasion.

So here is my reply:

What's with the flowers everyone's wearing?

In Flanders Fields (1915)

by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD, Canadian Army (1872-1918)

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.

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Why are they wearing them? (poppies)

The poppy is worn as a symbol of rememberance to honour all those who have fought and died in war. The green center was changed to black following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center to honour those who lost their lives in that event as well.

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How long does it last?

Poppies are sold by the Royal Canadian Legion and the moneys go to help veterans and their families. They generally start showing up in mid-october and are on sale up until a) they run out, or b) mid-November. I personally keep a poppy on display in my office year round.