The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month
Remembrance Day (also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day) is the day we remember those who sacrificed their lives so we may be free. Across Australia hundreds of memorial services around the country are held at 11 o'clock when a minute's silence is observed. The trams in Melbourne stop, the radio station goes quiet while the bugler plays "The Last Post" It is a poignant time standing at the war memorial in respectful silence. Wreaths are laid, poppies are worn. The "Flanders" poppy. For me, both Remembrance Day and ANZAC Day are profoundly moving as we reflect on the terrible tragedy of human suffering and loss.
The Great War as it was once called may have occurred almost a century ago, but it is important we remember, for the sake of the future.
Above: Remembrance Day service at my local RSL
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.
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, May 1915.
I made this video for Remembrance Day 2013.
Today's quote: I hate war as only a soldier who has lived it can, only as one who has seen its brutality, its stupidity ~ Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jan. 10, 1946.
