Why We Remember on Remembrance Day
Tuesday, November 10th, 2015
On November 11, 1918, representatives of the Allied Forces met with their German counterparts in a stationary train carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France to agree on terms that would bring about the end of the First World War.
This auspicious day, which originally marked the end of “The Great War”, has become etched into our collective history and consciousness as Remembrance Day. Now, when we reflect on the sacrifices made in our name, the day takes on a wider significance.
It now symbolises a recognition of the bravery, valour and tragic circumstances of the men and women who have given their lives to protect us in all conflicts, as well as that of the servicemen and women who continue to risk their lives to keep us safe.
The Beverly Memorial Cenotaph
The area of Beverly, Edmonton is home to the city’s oldest cenotaph memorial, The Beverly Memorial Cenotaph, which was erected in 1920. The history of this region became tragically entwined with that of The Great War when, in 1914, what had previously been a village became incorporated into a town.
Less than two weeks later, the dark clouds looming over Europe gave way to all-out war, and it wasn’t long before the town’s young men were called up and shipped across the Atlantic to join the struggle.
Nowadays, the cenotaph stands as a reminder of the loss and sacrifice of those young men, and that of the young men and women who continue to serve Canada so nobly to this day. Every year, the Beverly Memorial Cenotaph becomes the focal point for Edmonton’s Remembrance Day ceremonies, and marks the culmination of the city’s annual Remembrance Day military parade.
The Poppy
One of the most instantly recognisable symbols of our remembrance is the poppy. This pretty flower grows naturally on the fields of Belgium and France, where once, a century ago, millions of young men were locked in a deadly, tragic combat.
The poppies were first sold in Europe shortly after the war to raise funds for veterans charities, and began to gain popularity in Canada in 1921. Nowadays, showing our gratitude, respect and remembrance by wearing a poppy is a common occurrence each November, when we all bow our heads in reflection and consider the immensity of the gesture our servicemen and women made, make and will continue to make in the future, for us.
“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”
– Lt.-Col. John McCrae, Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps. Died on January 28, 1918
