On November 11th, we both mourn and celebrate the sacrifices of those who went forth and fought in the major wars of the 20th century. Veterans Day in the United States, Rememberance Day in Canada and Armistace Day in England all fall on the 11th of November, marking the anniversary of the end of the first World War. The poppy has long been the symbol of the brave soldiers who fought and died for freedom from tyranny. In honour of their sacrifices, poppies.org will observe a virtual moment of silence, with the somni-forum going off-line at 11am on November 11th. For more information on the traditional moment of silence in Canada, click here.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.