395 www.on.legion.ca ONTARIO COMMAND WHYWE REMEMBER What is Remembrance Day? Remembrance Day is a solemn day to honor those who have fought or lost their lives in war. In Canada, Remembrance Day is on November 11. On Remembrance Day, during the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, there are two minutes of silence to honor soldiers who fought in war. During the war, many poppies flowered on the battlefield. Inspired by this sight, army doctor John McCrae authored a poem called "In Flanders Fields." This poem inspired people to wear poppies on the left side of their shirt, near their heart. To this day, poppies are still an important part of Remembrance Day. The day the war ended was a joyous day for most. For some children, it was the day to finally see their father again. For others, they would be meeting their father for the first time. And for others, it would be a sad day because they would never see their father again. For those soldiers who made it home, their lives would be changed forever. Some soldiers may have lost limbs. Some will be left with scars or burn marks. The scar is no longer an open wound, but every time they look at that scar, they will be reminded of those painful times in war. Canadian soldiers don't just serve in war. They serve their community in multiple ways. For example, after natural disasters in Canada. the Canadian armed forces always rush to help. Soldiers have a huge impact on our community. Not only do they fight for peace and freedom, but they also provide us with knowledge and understanding of our community's history, good and bad. Remembrance Day is personal to everyone for different reasons. Even though I may not know anyone in war, Remembrance Day is still personal to me because soldiers fought for my country. They fought for me. And that is why we remember.
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