Lest We Forget

Every year, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – We Remember. 

Every year, we remember those who served our country, those who lost their lives and those whose lives were changed forever. Every year, we take this day to give thanks to those who are serving our country currently as members of our Canadian Armed Forces. 

This year, as the children recite ‘In Flanders Field, the poppies blow,’ we will recognize the 100th Anniversary of adopting the Poppy as the symbol of remembrance; a symbol of respect, dignity and gratitude. The story is so important, to learn more about the story behind the Poppy, click here. 

Peter’s grandfather (Geoffrey O'Brian) was a member of the RCAF in that first World War. Peter’s father (Peter O'Brian) was a spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain in WWII - as Churchill put it: ‘One of the Few’ - who was shot down in the English Channel and rescued by the Free French. My dad (Jack Bennett) was a member of Conn Smythe’s 30th Battalion arriving in France on D-Day+5, going on to defend the bridge at Nijmegen in Holland. They never wanted to talk about war.

They never liked the movies that romanticized war. They lived through it. It was awful. 

War is still awful. From Romeo Dallaire’s experience in Rwanda, to grieving the soldiers we lost in Afghanistan and those who are suffering terribly from PTSD, we still have first-hand accounts of why we continue to fight for peace. Our hearts are with our neighbours whose families are living in the violence erupting in countries around the world. 

Every year I read my father-in-law’s favourite poem. We think he may actually have written it:

The drum is silent now,
And the wind sighs

Where once they walked;
And the stars, which watched
The valour of their days,
At each new dusk
Remember.

We Remember. 

Sincerely, 

Carolyn

Veterans Affairs Canada

If you are in need of support, call 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional right now. A confidential and free service available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, or caregivers.

Canada Remembers 

As we remember and commemorate all the brave Canadians who have served, and continue to serve, our country in times of war, military conflict, and peace. In times of reflection today, should you wish to learn more about Canadian history including wars and conflicts, people and stories, memorials, medals and more - click here. 

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.

Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae
~ May 3, 1915

The 100th Anniversary of the Poppy

2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the Remembrance Poppy in Canada. To learn the story behind the Poppy and more, see the links below. 

• Poppy 100th Anniversary
• History of the Poppy
• How to wear a Poppy
• The Poppy Campaign

FEDERAL UPDATES

Virtual Summit - A Facebook Live Event | November 14 @ 3PM

Join Toronto-St. Paul’s elected officials from all orders of government to discuss how we can continue to work together to ‘Build Back Better’ economically, socially and environmentally. Email questions in advance to [email protected].

Visit facebook.com/carolyn.bennett.stpauls/live on November 14 at 3:00pm to watch the Summit Live. You do not need a Facebook account to view the broadcast. A recording of the event will be posted to our website.