Today, November 11th 2022, we mark Remembrance Day in Canada and the sacrifices made by our military during the many conflicts Canada has been involved in.

Canadians have a long tradition of joining its allies in conflicts when required and to successfully fight in many difficult situations in order that we all may enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy today.

2022 also marks the 80th Anniversary of the Dieppe Raid that took place on August 19th, 1942. Within the first 10 hours of fighting, 3,623 of the 6,086 men who had landed on the beaches at Dieppe had been killed, wounded, or been taken prisoner. Of those 6,000 soldiers, over 5,000 were Canadians. The Canadians would suffer a 68% casualty rate with 3,367 killed, wounded or taken prisoner.

This years marks the 100th year of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. And women formally started becoming part of the Canadian Army.

November 11th also marks the 104st anniversary of the armistice that ended the First World War, which occurred on November 11th, 1918 after four long years of battle.

So, if you are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in Canada, please thank a veteran.

As an appropriate remembrance for all the sacrifices, here is “In Flanders Fields“, the poem written by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae:

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.

Canada remembers the sacrifices of all our military personnel, especially those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.  Your duty and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

LEST WE FORGET!