FIVE REASONS TO WEAR YOUR POPPY

Leading up to Remembrance Day, the red poppies come out. So why wear one.

1. A reminder of the  John McCrae poem- in Flanders Fields the poppies blow. A Canadian serving in World War One, he wrote it May 3, 1915. He died in the war but his poem has lived in the hearts of this country.

2. The red poppy can be seen from a distance. Look at a crowd wearing them. Red matches all colours.

3. A simple way to stop and reflect on past, present and the future military campaigns.

4. The money raised supports the Legions and Veterans.

5. We honour our own family members that served. We honour others who served. We honour those that are serving our country now.

Remembering military and peacekeeping missions does not mean that anyone condones conflicts. But in order to have a peaceful nation it is important to remember, honour and work towards solutions for a peaceful world.

So wear the poppy for whatever reason that has meaning to you!
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WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE

How many poppies do you have? Remember those who fought for our freedoms in Canada in the various conflicts over the centuries. If you don't know them all, a visit to the War Museum in Ottawa will give a reality check! I wear my Vimy Ridge pin with pride- my grandfather Ernie Ellis fought in that Canadian battle in World War One! Our family hero! Do you have a family hero? If possible hug a Veteran!

A WAR MEMORIAL IN EVERY TOWN

Hard to believe that it will be 100 years next year since the start of WWI. Monuments throughout the country have honoured Canada's contribution to the war effort. It was that great war that consolidated us as a nation. There are no more veterans from that era but there are many women and men alive today that served in other missions and conflicts as soldiers or peacekeepers. We do not remember them to glorify war but to acknowledge and reflect on the sacrifices made that bring us to where we are today. Wear a poppy and remember!

A RED POPPY-HOW CANADIAN!

A red poppy in the garden brings lots of needed colour with the green. In time time for Canada Day, the red goes nicely with our flag.

Like other flowers in the garden they come and go too quickly! It is no wonder the poppy is used for Remembrance Day! It sure catches your eye! Do you have poppies in your garden?

REMEMBERING OUR CANADIAN VETERANS

Once just Remembrance Day, now we have Veterans' Week November 5-11. It gives more time to reflect on our military history and the sacrifices made to have the peace we have today in Canada. Our recent missions in Afghanistan and other nations bring home the fact there are still conflicts and suffering in the world.

In parks, town centers and avenues, monuments exist to honour local heroes who served and those who died. The army, navy, air force and merchant marine have men and women from all walks of life. In our family, there are individuals that served in World War One- Ernest Ellis and World War Two- Ellerington Park, Parkin Alton and Norman Ellis. Families across Canada will have similar stories about their loved ones. A family friend has a Mom- Amy Evans- who served with the Canadian army in England. She met Jack there and he came to Canada with her as a War husband.
If you have not done it, talk to the older Vets and get their stories- write them down, film them, tape them. Once they are gone, then their stories are gone. Learn about the famous battles and Canada's role in them. By honouring our past, we learn to find a way to resolve conflict peacefully in this modern world. I hope the Canadian military returns to its peacekeeping role- helping communities build, bringing fresh water supplies, education and health- in a wonderful way. When you think of Canada's history, what stories come to mind for you? Do you have a special person you like to honour?

NOVEMBER THE MONTH OF REMEMBERING

November is the in between month. Fall is starting to end. Day Light Savings time!Turning the clocks back! The trees have lost all their leaves so there is brown on brown. The days are starting to get shorter and darkness prevails. It is a month to gear up for Christmas, shopping, putting the outdoor lights up by the middle of the month, Remembrance Day, and of course a couple of family birthdays that bring some fun. If the weather holds- more outdoor cleanup and raking those last leaves. There is yard waste pickup until the end of November! I like the beginning of months as there is so much promise to set some goals to get "things" done. It is a time to remember as I like to start wearing my poppy today. How do you feel about the new month? Is it just another month or do you have plans?

THE CHANGING JUNE GARDEN

Poppies make a colourful addition to any garden. The contrast with the garden can be breathtaking.

As it tries to open after a little rain, quite a picture unfolds. Too bad it can not hang around for Canada Day with its full red glory. Do you have poppies in your garden beds? It is a such a beautiful flower!

WEAR YOUR POPPY PROUDLY

We wear the poppy to remember those who served our country and those who are serving now. Do we realize 152 have died in the mission in Afghanistan? Young men and women serving their country. Let us also reflect on those who have been injured and urge the VA to provide proper compensation to those individuals. My grandfather Ernie Ellis served in World War I. My Dad served in World War II along with other members of my family and family friends. My niece's husband Jim served twice in Afghanistan. Thank you to all who have been dedicated to protecting our freedoms and helping others in the world. Do you know someone who served for our country? Will you stop and reflect on what that sacrifice means?