November 11, 2011

Paul

I don't know what the forum rules are regarding this subject, however I would like to offer a "Thank You" to those who are serving to defend their countries, as well as those who have served!!!   And a very special THANK YOU for those who gave their life so that I could be free!!

 

With much respect,

Paul

 

Milford Charles Murray

Peace, Paul!          *smile*

                    Your post is very fitting indeed!  We need to remember and honour the memory of those who served and even gave their lives for the cause of freedom. 

                         Here in Ontario, Canada, all post offices are closed, all government offices are closed - both federal and provincial - and even the liquor and beer stores are closed until after 12:00 noon.  I believe this is true of the other nine provinces also.  In every city, town, village, and hamlet people gather for civic memorial services at the Cenataph in almost every community.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenotaph#Cenotaphs_in_Canada  In Canada today is called Remembrance Day.

               Canadians also wear a red poppy pin (provided for a donation by the veterans organisations) to show the appreciation of and support of those who have served our country.  This is done en masse, the vast majority of Canadians wearing the poppy.  http://www.legion.ca/Poppy/campaign_e.cfm

                        Finally, in almost every Remembrance Day observation, someone reads "In Flanders Fields" a poem written by a Canadian Serviceman,

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.                                                        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_Fields

 

Fred Chapman

Thank you Paul. I know we have many vets that frequent these forums. I also know we have a number who are currently serving. As we honor those who have served, lift up a prayer for those who are in harm's way and for their families.