“The dead soldier’s silence sings our national anthem” (Richard Hovey).
By | Saray Membrano
Armistice Day, or better known as Remembrance Day, is a commemoration of the armistice agreement that concluded the First World War in 1918.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Canadians engage in a moment of silence to honour those who sacrificed their lives during times of war and conflict for the sake of our nation.
On the Western Front, ruby red poppy flowers flourished in the fields where the bloodshed occurred. Their presence symbolized the fruitful soils of the Earth that were disrupted by bullets and canons, yet were capable of creating beauty out of destruction.
Canadian doctor and poet John McCrae gained inspiration from the catastrophic events to write the infamous poem, In Flanders Fields. Since his breakthrough publication, the poppy flower rose to fame and has since then become a national symbol of Remembrance Day.
Amidst various complications such as the pandemic, restrictions had to be made towards the celebration to accommodate health protocols. Moreover, the recent news revolving around the mistreatment of Indigenous communities has also been taken into account in regards to whether or not the Canadian Flag on Parliament Hill will be at half-mast this upcoming Thursday.
According to news sources, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared he will put this up for discussion with fellow Indigenous leaders to view their insight and act upon their recommendations.
With the country’s imperfect history involving residential schools, Trudeau is confident a solution will be proposed in time for November 11th.
Poppy sales will continue for the upcoming week during A Block brought to you by the Notre Dame Student Council.
“We shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders fields.”
John McCrae