Everyone has been affected by the wars between countries. Whether your great-grandfather or grandfather fought many years ago, or your parents were shipped to far away countries after the tragedy of the world trade centers, someone you know; relative, spouse or friend, has been involved with the army whether you know it or not. To commemorate those brave souls who risked their lives for their country’s freedom, for those who won’t see their country’s success and to make sure no one forgets them, Remembrance Day was created.
In 1919, the first Remembrance Day was held on November 11th; exactly one year after World War One dropped their guns on the 11th day, of the 11th month, at 11 o’clock. Thanksgiving was also held on that day. Except, back then, it was not called Remembrance Day, it was called Armistice Day. It was celebrated every Monday in which November 11th was in that same week. In 1931, MP Allan Neill proposed a new bill which introduced the word ‘Remembrance’ and a fixed date. The bill was accepted and Remembrance Day was fixed to November 11th of each year and Thanksgiving was moved to one month back that year.
When one thinks of Remembrance Day, they often think of the red poppy flower that they see veterans sell at small tables a few weeks prior to that said day. People think the symbol of the red poppy originated along with Remembrance Day, but in fact, it is connected to a 19th century writer from the Napoleonic Wars. He wrote of a bright flower, the color of blood, that grew over battle fields once the war had ended. Fast forward to 1915, when Canadian Lt.-Col. John McRae, also noticed the same flower growing in the graveyards of our fallen heroes. Those flowers inspired him to write his famous poem ‘Flanders Field’. The tradition of wearing the poppy on ones clothes only started a few years later when a New York woman by the name of Moina Michael was seen wearing one on her clothes. In 1921, the poppy had arrived in Canada and has since been the symbol of war veterans.