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.

Remembrance Day

Today is a solemn day of remembrance and reflection. Without all the sacrifice from the veterans from Canada’s previous conflicts, we would not have the great . Opportunities or freedoms we have today.

The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, today released the following statement on Remembrance Day:
To every Veteran across Canada, on this Remembrance Day, I want to say thank you.
Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and for everything you have given in the service of our country.
Your bravery is why Canadians from coast to coast enjoy the freedoms that we do today. Your courage is why so many from around the world continue to seek out Canada to realize its promise of peace and freedom.
No matter where you have served – in World War II or the Korean War, in Afghanistan, or in conflict zones around the world – you deserve our unconditional and heartfelt gratitude. Not just on Remembrance Day – but every day.
On behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, we will never forget those we have lost. We will always honour their memory, and we will always cherish the heroes who put their lives on the line for us.

Remembering The 75th Anniversary of D-Day

As the 75th anniversary of D-Day approaches a lot of the coverage has focused on the importance of the Normandy campaign to the ending of the second world war.

The coverage has focused on soldiers reminiscences of the battle. That is vitally important because this might be the last time many of these veterans will participate in an anniversary marking such a crucial Milestone.

In addition, since the average age of a Second World War veteran is 93, we are collectively losing our connection to the past. The lack of Canadians’ historical memory is beginning to show up in surveys. Among millennials, only 41% can correctly answer that 14000 Canadian troops landed on Juno Beach as part of the D-Day invasion.

In short, passing on Canada’s history’s more essential than ever. When it comes to the remaining veterans, our job is to reflect, remember and pass on.