Today marks Veterans Day in the United States. In Canada, the country of my birth, it is Remembrance Day as it is in all Commonwealth countries.
Both Veterans Day and Remembrance Day began as Armistice Day signifying the end of WWI, the war to end all wars, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. But how November 11th is observed has changed over time.
In the United States, Veterans Day honors all living veterans whereas Memorial Day honors veterans who lost their lives in the line of duty. In Canada, Remembrance Day honors veterans both living and dead although the emphasis is on those soldiers who fell as signified by the wearing of the poppy. The poppy is in reference to the opening line of the poem "In Flanders Field" written by Dr. John McRae in honor of a friend who died at the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium (In Flanders fields the poppies blow/Between the crosses, row on row) symbolizing the fragility of life.
As such Remembrance Day is a more somber occasion than Veterans Day and dare I say Memorial Day. In this country, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and despite our best efforts has become a day of reverie synonymous with barbecues.
But whatever the differences between Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, American and Canadian soldiers have fought on the same soil for the same cause on the beaches of Normandy, in Korea and in Afghanistan. Those who came home deserve our gratitude whether they live in Vancouver, British Columbia or Vancouver, Washington. If you see a veteran be sure to give your thanks. For Those who didn't come home they deserve our grieving whether their coffins and graves are covered with the star and stripes or the maple leaf.
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