Perhaps autumn’s greatest bounty is the poppy. The symbol of freedom hard fought for and won, the emblem of military suffering and sacrifice, the red poppy appears now in full blossom upon jackets, lapels, and uniforms. Its arrival adds a splash colour, an infusion of life, to the starkness of grey skies and leafless trees that is November.
Short-lived as its appearance may be during the Week of Remembrance, the poppy serves as a humbling reminder that we must never take anything, especially our freedom and its abundant blessings, for granted. It reminds us of that ever challenging, yet absolutely essential moral imperative: Lest we forget.
Having finished my tour as commander of HMCS NONSUCH earlier this fall, I have had some time to revert to my civilian eyes. That is to say, I have had more opportunities in my civilian capacity, to see our local military and law enforcement personnel engage with the greater community. Their professionalism, dedicated service, and loyalty to our nation are inspiring.
At the CFL game at Commonwealth this past Saturday, I was pleased to see so many people wearing poppies. I was impressed with the number of sea, army, and air cadets who came out to help sell poppies in support of the Poppy Fund, which gives back to our veterans. Our national anthem resonated more clearly than ever when watching so many diverse and great people unroll and hold onto that large Canadian flag. ‘True patriot love’ and ‘the true north strong and free’ remind me that so many gave their lives during times of conflict, turmoil, and peacekeeping so that we can truly enjoy ‘our home and native land.’
Seeing the procession of veterans, one of them 99 years old, come onto the field at half-time with the cadets and PPCLI drum-line gave me hope that our remembrance will continue to be rich and meaningful. I could see that the torch reference in John McCrae’s In Flanders Fields, is being held high and is indeed being passed on from one generation to the next.
Our community is so very appreciative of our service personnel. As a member of the Canadian Armed Forces who has experienced this tremendous level of gratitude many times, please know that every time you say ‘thank you for your service,’ to a veteran or serving member, it truly is meaningful. It makes serving the greater good of our nation that much more important.
The Act of Remembrance, taken from Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen, is recited formally at November 11 services. It reminds all of us of those from the past wars, conflicts, peacekeeping missions, and ongoing operations to this very day, whom we must remember:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them.
It is true that we tend to rush the seasons. Let us all take time this November 11th though to truly pause, think of the poppy and all that is has come to represent to Canadians and our allies who too, wear it proudly. We must never lose sight of why and how we remember. Lest we forget.
Tim Cusack is an educator, writer, and member of the naval reserve.
