In Remembrance
November 11th is a day for remembrance. Reflection on the past, present and future. It is a day of commemoration for the sacrifices made by millions of brave and determined men and women who have served in all wars up to the present day. It is tradition to observe a moment of respect and reflection through two minutes of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. This memorial day is officially observed in many countries (including Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, India, Kenya, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda and New Zealand every year. Other countries have similar observances on other days and under other names.
There is also another tradition and act that is deeply entwined with this day – the wearing of a poppy has been de rigeuer for over a hundred years. The poppy has a long and shared history of symbolic meaning. It has been used to represent everything from peace to death and even simply sleep. Since ancient times, poppies placed on tombstones represent eternal sleep. Significantly, the poppy was the first plant to grow on the battlefields of World War One. The sight of this inspired the 1915 poem, “In Flanders Fields” by Canadian poet, doctor and soldier, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. who was serving on the front lines. This poem then gave a French woman, Anna Guérin, the idea to distribute the poppy as a way to raise money for veterans’ needs and to remember those who had given their lives during the First World War. The poppy is worn in the left lapel or collar to stay close to the heart.
Most people think there is only one poppy to be worn for remembrance, but, in reality, there are three Remembrance poppies: red, purple, and white. All have black centers.
The red poppy, which grows on the First World War battlefields in Flanders, in Belgium and northern France, is the best known symbol of Remembrance Day. People started wearing the red poppy for the first time in 1921. The red of the petals represents the bloodshed and death of those who gave their lives, the black button in the middle is for the mourning and consolation of those who never welcomed their loved ones home. Since 1925, the Royal Canadian Legion has run the poppy fundraising campaign in Canada to support Canadian veterans and their families.
What is the meaning behind the purple poppy? The purple poppy represents the suffering of animals during conflict. Historically, it has not only been people who have lost their lives in war but also animals such as horses, dogs and pigeons.
The white poppy is worn by those who feel that the red poppy glorifies war and conflicts. They choose to wear a white poppy to not only commemorate those who have died but to also emphasize the need to achieve peace and resolve disputes in ways other than armed conflict.
McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” paints a vivid picture of the poppies that bloomed amid the graves of fallen soldiers in Flanders, a region in Belgium heavily affected by the war. The poem speaks to the duty of the living to carry on the fight and honour the sacrifice of those who gave their lives.” In Flanders Field” was first published in England's “Punch” magazine in December 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries throughout the world.
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.
The poem’s author, John McCrae, was born on November 30, 1872 in Guelph, Ontario.. He was a Canadian doctor and teacher who served in World War I. He died on January 28, 1918 in Wimereux, France from pneumonia and meningitis contacted while doing his duties.
The art glass movement in Canada has its roots in immigration. And, many of these emigres were not only hoping for a better life in Canada but had been displaced from their home countries by war. John Furch of Altaglass springs instantly to mind.
Your glass displays can be a memorial.
Stop and remember but also volunteer and/or donate as well if you can.
Canada: https://www.legion.ca/who-we-are/affiliated-organizations/supporting-veterans
United States: https://www.charitynavigator.org/discover-charities/where-to-give/veteran-service-member-charities/
Worldwide: https://give.unhcr.ca/page/52275/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=SEM24_UNR&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CA_PS_EN_general&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwtZK1BhDuARIsAAy2VzuQs7Y0MgJsX3sRuatcKEy1_aLUQGVg-SYyXG1T_ztEchizdSpxEjEaAgOuEALw_wcB
Thanks to 50 Shades member Kim Tersteeg for providing photograph of Chalet ashtray used as the thumbnail ”poppy” image for this article.
