Remembrance Day 2011

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour Canadians all across the country come together to recognize and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve Canada. Some will remember grandparents, others husbands, wives, sons or daughters and others friends and neighbours and we all will silently reflect on their ultimate sacrifice for their country.

At Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) we observe a moment of silence to pay tribute to fallen heroes making Remembrance Day all the more poignant and close to home.

Veteran Affairs Canada states that Canada is recognized around the world for its generosity and willingness to step forward when help is needed. This has been seen not only in the First and Second World Wars but in present day military and peace support efforts or domestic operations. More than 2.3 million Canadians have answered the call and served the cause of peace and freedom over the years, more than 117,000 have given their lives.

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
~ John McCrae