Remembrance Day – repost
Remembrance Day
In November 2010 I was in London England with my friend Nancy. Of all the things that grabbed my attention, one that surprised me was the extraordinary number of visual tributes to the Unknown Soldier and all of those men and women who sacrificed their lives during the wars. It was overwhelming to see all the white crosses with red poppies, covering entire sections of public and church land. All commonwealth countries observe a date close to November 11th or on the 11th, as we do in Canada, since the end of the First World War. It is a moving tribute to honour and express our gratitude to those who lost their lives and sometimes their sanity to protect our freedom.
Traditionally, the poppy is worn from November 2nd to the 11th and that is what I recall from my childhood. It acts as a reminder to not take freedom for granted. And to understand that people died, usually young people, on our behalf, in those brutal wars. Over time I have also added civilian casualties to my remembrance.
With that in mind, I will bow my head for a moment of silence at 11:00 am, on the 11th day of the 11th month. As do the school children, who often hold beautiful ceremonies with their hand drawn art work, songs and short plays in order to remember. And in order not to forget.
Remembering Others
This day prompts me to also take stock and remember my family and friends who have died not though war but through illness and old age. I have anchored this practice of remembering to the 11th of November. I think it is helpful to have little ceremonies and rituals to remember our loved ones. The days flow by so fast and one year becomes ten. Many people I love have died in this past decade and November 11th is my visual cue to privately remember everybody. And it is a cue to make sure I care for the living, while I can, and to let those living, beautiful and beloved people know they are cared for.
A Reflection and Doing Exercise
My friend Patricia recently introduced me to a particularly practical, memorable, and delightful exercise, which is a tribute to those who have been instrumental in our lives. It goes like this and it too involves remembering.
“Make a list of the 20 people who have influenced your life. They can be people you know as well as public figures, artists, writers, teachers, etc. Some may no longer be alive. You get to decide who is on your list. After doing this exercise I asked myself “What needs to be done?” And I saw that I wanted to write a few letters of appreciation, to those I could, telling of their influence.”
I am slowly writing these letters over this past few years.
Notes
Note 1:) I am thinking of John McCrae, a Canadian soldier, poet, and physician who wrote the now iconic poem, In Flanders Fields. The first stanza goes like this and is why the poppy was chosen for Remembrance Day.
Note 2:) I have the loveliest of readers on my blog. Yes, YOU! I so appreciate you. For those of us in Ontario we have been treated to a beautiful autumn that is still going on. Lots of people out and about, which is truly wonderful to see.
Note 3:) Please take care, take heart, and stay safe. For those of you who are suffering, remember that all things change. Nothing stays the same forever. We humans seem to be able to rise to what is needed. Sometimes we can’t and we ask for help. We all need help throughout our lives. Do your best to get your daily intake of the great outdoors. Everyday. Warmest greetings and best wishes. See you next week, Trudy
Trudy, thank you for this. Today I drove into Duncan to have a birthday lunch with a friend who is celebrating her 82nd year and as I drove I thought of all my friends who have died since Covid started. Then I started to think on all the people who I have lost in my lifetime. As I age I find my circle is getting smaller. This is a timely reminder to honour those loved ones; to think of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives; and to be grateful we are still here. Tomorrow is my daughter’s 53rd birthday; we have always combined remembrance with her celebration. And we will honour that on Salt Spring Island tomorrow.
Thank you Pat. It is good to remind ourselves to enjoy and appreciate our friends and family while we are still here. When our children turn 50 it wakes us up. Enjoy those celebrations. Warmly, Trudy
Thank you once again for a thoughtful message, Trudy. I do appreciate you! At your encouragement I have reopened my old blog – http//:prayerplaypolitics.blogspot.com I invite you to read my first hesitant entry.
Great move Carol. I will read your first post with delight. Thanks for letting me know. Congratulations, Trudy
Went to Beechwood this morning for the Remembrance Day Ceremony and to visit my folks, always an emotional time and remembering so many who have entered my life and exited. Appreciating you as always Trudy. xoxo
Thank you Janice. My thoughts are with you. Gentle hugs,Trudy
Thank you for your very thoughtful message, Trudy.
I appreciate you. Have a lovely evening
K~
Thank you Kathryn for your encouraging words. Bye for now, Trudy