The Significance of Remembrance Day

 Top 10 Poppy Day Facts

Remembrance Day is an important holiday…. a day where we pause and wear a poppy  to honour the many war veterans who fought and gave their lives in the First and Second World wars.  Here are the Top 10 “Poppy Day Facts” to better understand the significance of November 11th:

1.  Armistice Day (1918), now known as Remembrance Day (1945) was founded November 11, 1918 when Germany ended World War One by signing and declaring peace.
2. The first Armistice Day was celebrated in Britain on November 11, 1921 and raised £106 000.00.
3. The Red Poppy icon is used to mark November 11^th.  The symbol was taken from the poem  “In Flanders Field” (Canadian Lt. Colonel John McCrae).  The poppies grew wild on many of the graves of the fallen, and most people thought it represented the blood that was shed.
4. Individuals can purchase (by donation) a poppy from a variety of locations (i.e. Coffee Shops, retail stores, libraries, schools etc.).  The money is used to assist veterans, primarily with medical costs.
5. On November 11^th at 11:00 a.m. individuals are requested to stop and take two minutes of silence to reflect and pay their respects to the many people who fought and died in the wars.
6. Remembrance Day is celebrated in churches by laying a poppy wreath on the Cenotaph during the ceremony. “The most famous Remembrance Day ceremony is held at the Cenotaph located in London near the House of Parliament.  The attendees at the event include: The Royal Family, Prime Minister, Heads of State and other Service Personnel”. (source).
7. There are various names used to symbolize November 11^th including: Poppy Day, Veterans Day, and Remembrance Day.
8. Important songs and poems heard during Remembrance Day ceremonies are: In Flanders Field (Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae), Last Post (Carol Ann Duffy), Poppy Petals (Buckley-Clark/ Wedgbury)
9. Remembrance Day events will be celebrated at various locations in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, and Delta.  Some include: Victory Square, Chinatown Memorial Square, UBC etc.).  Click Here for further details.
10.  On November 11th show your solidarity, “Poppy Up” and at 11:00am take 2 minutes out of your busy day and stop and reflect upon the freedoms you enjoy today and how they were protected with the lives of others.

With gratitude we at Genesis pause and give thanks to all the brave souls that gave their lives, so that we may continue to enjoy the liberty and freedoms that we sometimes take for granted today.

Click Here to view a sneak peek to Remembrance Day