WHY WE REMEMBER
As we come to that time of year when we remember those loved ones and members of our own family who have given that ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country, both at home and abroad, we celebrate not only Carruthers, but those members of other families who have sadly fallen.
Therefore, as a society, remembrance Day for us is celebrated to remember those who gave their lives to ensure that freedom and democracy is passed freely on to our children, and their children going forward.
Though they don’t live to tell their own story, we shall forever take their story forward on their behalf and ensure that those generations are made aware of the bravery they showed in the line of duty.
To lay down one’s life for their family, friends and country, there is no greater gift and although we celebrate those who have fallen we should remain dedicated to work for peace and justice throughout the world. Promptus et Fidelis.
LEST WE FORGET
Initiated by King George V in 1919, Armistice day, which was to progress into Remembrance Sunday, is held in the United Kingdom as a day to commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts. It is held at 11am on the second Sunday in November (the Sunday nearest to 11 November, the anniversary of the end of hostilities in the First World War in 1918). Remembrance Sunday, within the Church of England, falls in the liturgical period of Allsaintstide.
Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day throughout the commonwealth – is based on the tradition and significance of the remembrance poppy. This tradition dates back to the end of World War I, and according to the Royal British Legion, the wearing of it is a show of ‘support for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families‘.
Col. John McCrae
It seems that shortly after losing a friend in Ypres in 1915, a Canadian doctor, born in Guelph, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to write his now famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields‘. He died on the battlefield of pneumonia in 1918. His grandparents moved to Canada from Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, which used to be a neighbouring county to Dumfriesshire
The poem inspired American War Secretary, Moina Michael, who bought poppies to sell to her friends to raise money for servicemen in need after the First World War. This was adopted by The (Royal) British Legion in 1921 who ordered 9 million of these poppies and sold them on 11 November that year in the first ever Poppy Appeal.
It is such that every year, we celebrate in silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, those brave men and women of our own Name, as well as those of other families, who gave all they could give, to allow us to live as we do today. Lest we forget.
For the Fallen, by Laurence Binyon
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.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget
Capt M C Carruthers CD. (ret’d)
The sun has risen on the day after.
Nothing has changed for them, as for us.
Remembrance in our actions all year long.
As we slowly march toward this day again.