Lest We Forget

Few Canadians need look very far to find among their family, friends and associates one who has served or does serve in our Armed Forces.

Today is for remembering those who have, literally in many cases, spent their lives in service of Canada and allies around the world, and also for thanking those who still make that commitment. Near home or far overseas, career or reserve, past or present, and year round, fellow Canadians are devoting their daily lives to the defense of Canada and global freedom.

Regardless of one's opinion on the political regime and machinations that drive our involvement in far conflicts, today is about the individual human lives committed in this service. Without them, Canadian citizens and others around the world would have very little of the comfort we enjoy today. Every one of them deserves the honour and thanks which November 11th represents.

Remembrance Day, by Jim Vallance and Bryan Adams. Lyrics and Jim's story are on this page. You can hear the whole song in the video, or download on iTunes.

In Flanders Fields, and the story of John McCrae.

Laura Chau's poppies 2009 page - Knit Poppy Pattern in exchange for donation to the Poppy Campaign.

CBC News today, including the numbering of soldiers lost in service through Canada's history.

Lest We Forget.