Veterans Day

As we in America celebrate our veterans this Sunday, November 11, the French will be doing the same. Just as in the United States, where we honor our veterans on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11:00am, so do the French.

November 11 marked the end of World War I and was originally set apart as Armistice Day, a day of remembrance for those who had served in the first world war. The day then evolved into a holiday that celebrates the remembrance of all who fought and even died as they served to protect France in any war.

Armistice Day is a very serious holiday in France. Most French have the day off work and there are many other commemorative rituals and symbols surrounding the day to honor the memory of the deceased. Just as in many other countries around the world, the French also kick off Veteran's Day with a two-minute "moment of silence".

Then, there are many other ceremonies and commemorations that occur around the country at various battlefields and war memorials, such as the Fort of Douaumont, the location of the Battle of Verdun. Living French veterans and soldiers may even participate in various parades, fully dressed in their military uniforms.

A symbol of the day's significance, the red poppy, symbolizes not just French veterans, but many other countries' veterans as well (including America). Made famous in John McCrae's poem, In Flanders Field, poppies may be worn by veterans or placed on graves in honor of their sacrifice.

This week, we'll close our post with the infamous words of McCrae's poem, a lasting reminder of the price of war and the sacrifice of our soldiers and their families. To the men and women of our armed forces, our gratitude is yours.

In Flanders Fields 

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) 

Canadian Army

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.