Lest we forget

How important it is for us to remember those who have served their country (not just Canada) and made the ultimate sacrifice. Unfortunately, there are thousands more on this Continent and elsewhere across the globe, who have returned from fighting, only to live their lives in the suffering and torture that continues to haunt them. These men and women, too, so often tend to be "the forgotten", though I think there is a little more awareness now. So sad, when the rest of us have so much to be thankful for, thanks to them. I remember - and I am thankful.

"Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918, as the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.

The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I.

The red poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Fields. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilt in the war."

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_Flanders_Fields

I remember watching a segment on CNN Heroes on TV. A lady had the great idea to give war veterans a dog of their very own. She helps each man or woman train their dog, which accompanies them everywhere. They are learning to focus on their companion, especially when horrendous thoughts and flashbacks start to appear. They find that this can help to calm the owner. Sounds as if "man's best friend" is coming to the rescue yet again.

This is a reposted image, taken at the Reader Rock Garden in 2010 and first posted on Flickr on 11 November 2012.

I so rarely see a sunrise or a sunset, but today I am up early as I will be meeting my daughter. I can't believe the way the whole sky is vibrant orange - what an amazing glow!