Here in Canada, we don't see much in the way of military in our day-to-day lives. I didn't know there was a base in Comox until I started flying and my grandfather's effort in WWII is the last example I can think of in my own family. As a result, many of us don't realize how many people are working and sacrificing to ensure the peace and prosperity that we take for granted.

On Remembrance day we acknowledge the tremendous debt of gratitude we owe those that have gone before.

When life is good it is easy to forget how hard so many struggled to make it so.

To all those that have served and to those that serve today, THANK YOU.

It was a privilege. I got my free meal at Olive Garden.

My Dad served in WWII from Utah Beach to the Huertgen forest with the 9th Infantry Division. When I reflect upon what he and his colleagues did to defend democracy from the aggressors I am humbled. I commend all who serve to defend our democracy and the freedom of others.

One thing I miss in the USA is the Poppy almost everyone used to wear in their lapels to honor Veterans and their sacrifice. These were sold by the VFW posts to support their outreach but have not seen one in the US for many years. On Canadian TV almost everyone is wearing a poppy from the beginning of November as well as many of the people on the street. The same was happening in England last year when I was over there.

I cannot remember the last time I saw a lapel poppy in the US. Since I cannot seem to find one in the USA, I proudly wear one of my lapel poppies that I got in Canada or England. I was stunned when I was returning from England last November with the poppy in my lapel and a TSA agent asked what it was for. Seriously??

We are very good at sending our people into harm's way, but not good at all taking care of them when they return. New tanks...sure, but new Docs in the VA...too expensive.

TD

You are spot on, I feel the same, where did the Poppy go? I watch BBC News, the anchors all have theirs on! What happened to all our anchors?

TD,

Thanks for the reminder on the poppies. I too had forgotten that good tradition. Our culture seems to be losing its appreciation of history.

My uncle was in the 9th in the Heathen Forest as well. Wounded by a proximity fused artillery round in the trees like so many. His was the last American unit in the line next to Montgomery's troops. My uncle, a hillbilly, thought tea at four was a fine idea.

Best regards,

Jim

I was surprised to get a free lunch at the Barnstormer, Greeley's airport cafe.

I also got a veteran's discount when I ordered the screen protectors for my new iPhone and iPad Mini 4, from MyGoFlight, again an unexpected bonus.

I am so thankful for all those whose service was in harm's way. I was fortunate to avoid that part of the obligation, by "donating" an extra year to Uncle Sam. Or as I often say, "5 years, 1 month, and 3 days, but who's counting?"

Cary

I'm proud to wear a poppy, and a bit sad to know that the tradition is fading in some places, but when I travel to the USA, I'm impressed with the recognition and gratitude that is heaped on those who serve. It might not be worn on the lapel, but I'm assured that the appreciation resides in nearly every American heart. In Canada, we wear the poppy, but are not nealy as expressive of our thanks. Just culture. The positive sentiment is the same amongst all in the western world.

Attended a sunset memorial this evening. I was truly touched:

http://www.fieldofcrosses.com

Jim said:

My uncle was in the 9th...

Small world. Dad was in Co. D of the 39th.

My uncle has gone on but I will check with my Aunt for records.

If I can still find them today I will grab a whack of poppies and put them aside.

Anybody wants one, send me a PM and I'll get one or a few in the mail.

Noble tradition.

TD,

My uncle, Sgt John Ronald Logan, was in HDQ Company 1st BN 13th Infantry (Golden Arrow ) 8th Division. He went over with Patton's Third Army but 8th Division was attached to Montgomery's Army.

Jim

I had no idea that The Poppy was, at least at one time, a tradition in the US as well. Thanks for that bit of info.

My father was flying OVER D-Day in a Halifax bomber. He spent two years in England as a rear-gunner (TAIL gunner if you were a YANK in a B-17!) Miraculously, he and his entire crew survived the war without a scratch. 10,000 Canadians in Bomber Command did not.

I dutifully sent a thank you e-mail to my friends who served. Many people in my family served... My mom (Women's Air Corps WW2) and my son (US Army Iraq/Afghanistan) both served in the military. My dad was civilian but did a huge number of USO and morale shows overseas. Woulda given anything to have been able to send e-mails to them. One of my uncles was in the Coast Guard in WW2, and his son (my cousin) was US Navy early 1960's.

I would like to add my sincerest thanks to those on this forum and others, who served in the military. Home of the Free, BECAUSE of the Brave, for damn f***in' sure.

I got to spend Vetran's Day (also my 38th wedding aniversary) with a very close group of friends I served with on an attack submarine. This morning we're getting ready to leave the Pittsburg area to head back to the Adirndacks. What a great time. Tom was a "Nuke" who now owns the exceptional B&B we stayed at near Pittsburg. John was an "A-Ganger" or mechanic and now a Dr., Reese and Mike are still supporting the Navy's efforts and building new ships and getting them to sea. Reese has a high level logistics job at the Navy Yard and Mike is still getting underway on ships as a contractor supporting the newest versions of sonar systems and training young sailors. Jimmy, Billy and Brownie had other commitments but were present in spirit. We served on SSN 607 under an SOB of a captain (with a small c) in an incredibly tight crew who still gets together evey 2 years. This was an in-between year, a small group reunion and a great time. At 60 I cherish those friendships and experiences as among the best in my life, as does my wife. I stayed to retire from the Submarine Navy but the times on Dace were special. We were all young and just leaving home for the first time. I'll head home sad to leave very special friends but thankful for the incedible friendships we have and the special times we shared.

I joined during a time not long after the era when you really could see
signs in Norfolk, Va that said "Dogs and sailors keep off the grass." Service Men and Women were't greatly loved then but it was a different time. I'm sure Contact remembers the warm reception he received upon coming home. Glad things are different now.

My thanks, respect and admiratiom to those serving now during dangerous and uncertain times.

Harry Smith of NBC news had a Poppy on this morning!

The poppy's origin is from a poem called In Flanders Field by John McCrae in May of 1915 after having a friend killed in a battle in Flanders in WWI


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.

Last year I was in Toronto for a Flight Safety course and was in the hotel at 11:11 The hotel announced over the loudspeakers a minute of silence. I was blown away, everyone shut the hell up. It was awesome, I just kept thinking that you couldn't get this done on Memorial day in the states, some disrespectful ass would be on his phone, or protesting something or another. My esteem for Canadians really went up that day.

I figure I started this Poppy part of the thread and therefore felt compelled to find out more:

See: http://www.vfwpost4103.org/wp-content/u ... -POPPY.pdf for the history

Evidently one needs to contact their State VFW headquarters to find a post that participates in the program.

I am on the trail of the State of Washington info, but the state VFW organization's website is so poor that there is no way to dig out contact info.

Cheers,

Tom