November 11, the day of armistice in WW1 is remembered and honored in the US as Veterans Day. A day to Honor and reflect upon the sacrifices of those who served and those who still serve, in any uniform. I found the simplest, most Honorable sign of that gratitude in the UK Commonwealth countries practice of wearing a Poppy , in deference to the Fields of Flanders. This day of remembrance, of honor to those who have served, are serving, in any uniform, is a day of freedom we owe to them. As simple as a Poppy. Worn over your heart is an endearment to all those in service, those lost in it.

We were in Belgium this past Sept. We visited Flanders Fields, a British military cemetery and Ypres. They still take this VERY seriously. This year they are going above and beyond because it is the 100 year anniversary of the start of the war.The city of Ypres, still to this day, holds a wreath laying ceremony at a huge gate built to honor the British Empire troops who died protecting them, every evening at 8pm. It is not the military that does this, it is the city. Every Day. Except during the German occupation in WWII.The tour guide, who has been doing this tour for years, still teared up when telling the stories.

Nov 11th is taken very seriously here in Bermuda too. We are still a British Colony. Poppys are worn & the day is a public holiday. All stores closed.

I remember as a kid growing up in England, that everything stopped at 11 am on Nov 11 for 2 mins of silence. Stores, schools and workplaces and even in the streets, everyone stopped what they were doing.

Have a look here. Ceramic poppies in what was the Tower of London moat. The number is equivalent to the number of British and Commonwealth soldiers that were killed in WW1. The poppies have all been sold and the funds are going to veterans.http://www.ctvnews.ca/lifestyle/the-power-of-poppies-by-the-numbers-1.2094888/

My father was a 19 year old Swedish immigrant when he got here in 1908. A few years later back on a ship and fought in Belleau Woods, Verdun, Chateau Theiry, etc. Glad he got back or I would not be here.He got his citizenship for his service.One of the more powerful moments in my life - and this is the short version of the story - was as an 18 year old Dad took my mom, my two brothers and me to Sweden and then we also did some touring. He rented a car to take us out to the fields of graves out where he fought. And we stood in the tower of the chapel and all as he pointed out things. Dad was 70 and there was a couple probably older than him - French. They did not speak English and he did not speak French but they understood that he had been there. The man fell to his knees, took and kissed my father's hand. The woman had tears of gratitude. Ask me if I will ever forget that.I have - sitting right next to me - the medals he was awarded, other momentoes, and - my prize possession - the Springfield rifle he carried (in spectacular condition).I am not a veteran but I hold the greatest respect for them.God bless all of you out there that are - thank you for your service.

Poppies. In remembrance of those who gave. | Good Sam Community

ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Nov 14, 2014
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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has an excellent site with FAQs for Veterans Day.

Excerpts (quoted) from the above:

Correct spelling - Veterans Day (*NO* Apostrophe)

Q. Why are red poppies worn on Veterans Day, and where can I find them?

A. The wearing of poppies in honor of America's war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day not Veterans Day.

Q. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

A. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime and peacetime.

In fact Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact all those who served -not only those who died- have sacrificed and done their duty.

*Link* - to the FAQs by the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs

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larry_barnhart
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
I am wearing a poppy as I write this.
chevman
Lauren
Explorer
Nov 12, 2014
We live in a retirement community in southern AZ. You would think these people would fly flags on at least Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day. Wrong. Probably 10% of the homes had one out today.

Our community located in a town of some 30,000. The mayor of the town lives a block from me and even he does not fly a flag.

Blows my mind.

On edit ----- I have not seen poppies in many years.
Caveman_Charlie
Explorer II
Nov 12, 2014
vic46 wrote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo/

Thank you Drillagent and Vic46 for this. I am going to add it to my Facebook page.
Ashbourne
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
My wife's Grandfather was killed in 1917 in the battle of the Somme. Her father was wounded in WW2 and lived the rest of his life with a disability. Three of her sons served in Northern Island, and I myself served and lost many friends in Aden South Arabia.
Each year we wear our poppies with pride and attend a remembrance service in our small town, where poppy wreaths are laid in honour of those who died.
We are snowbirds, but could never contemplate heading south until after 11th November..
Our thanks go to all those Americans who served in both wars, and came to help us at Europe's time of greatest need.
vic46
Explorer
Nov 11, 2014
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kX_3y3u5Uo/
drillagent
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
I wish we Americans celebrated this holiday as well as the Brits and Canadians. I served with some Canadians in Afghanistan, and they had poppies as part of their uniform. All too often I get the feeling that most Americans just think of it as a day off. Memorial Day has become just a day of grilling instead of remembering those of us who paid the full measure. I found a video a few years back that I always watch on Veteran's Day. You can find it on Youtube. It's called A Pittance of Time by Terry Kelly. I encourage everyone to watch it. To my brothers who didn't come home, and my Father who thankfully did, I will never forget!
Yeti_plus
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
I live in Guelph, Ontario Birthplace of John McCrae the author of the poem "In Flanders Fields." We memorized the entire poem in school at a very young age, and I can still remember it, and this post caused me to recite it once or twice again.
We were in Belgium briefly 2 years ago and visited Essex Farm where it is said McCrae wrote the poem. We wandered through the advanced field hospital, which is really just a concrete bunker with a round ceiling. I am 5 foot 10 and I had to crouch so I didn't hit my head on the ceiling, I couldn't imagine doing first aid let alone surgery bent over for hours on end. We were there in March, and it was cold and wet and we were uncomfortable in our high tech waterproof coats, and had trouble comprehending how they managed in the clothing of the era.
My wife and I stood at one end of the small cemetery there and recited "In Flanders Fields" with tears in our eyes. Didn't know any of the men buried there but it was a very moving experience.
We remember and are grateful for their sacrifice.
bguy
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
Wear the poppy on Remembrance Day as we call it. It is equally important NOT to wear them on the 12th as it becomes disrespectful.

Have a quiet and peaceful day.
obgraham
Explorer
Nov 10, 2014
I'll be thinking of Pvt James L Oldham. My first cousin, 2x removed. Born in Lancashire, went to Canada as a young man, joined up and went back to France. Killed in Action at 3rd Ypres, 11-11-1917. 10th Bn, Canadian Infantry. Memorialized at the Menin Gate (referred to above) because his remains were never found.

He was 25.

R.I.P.