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Title: November 11th Post by: Bunk on November 09, 2007, 11:45:01 AM So November 11th is Veteran's day for most of you. You may or may not be aware that we celebrate the same day up here as Remembrance Day. The reason I bring it up, is that I was watching Jeopardy a few weeks ago, and the clue was regarding what flower is worn on Remembrance day in reference to the poem "In Flanders Fields" - the result was three contestants staring at Trebek with blank looks on thier faces. It was at that point that I realized that wearing a poppy in November is relatively unknown in the US.
Every November, members of the Royal Canadian Legion give out poppies for people to wear on their lapels, in exchange for donations to the Legion and Veterans' charities. School children on this day observe a moment of silence, and will often be taught the poem In Flanders Fields, which is where the tradition of the poppy came from. From wikidedia: Quote Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote it on May 3, 1915, after he witnessed the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, the day before. The poem was first published on December 8, that year in Punch magazine. The poppies referred to in the poem grew in profusion in Flanders (Belgium) where war casualties had been buried and thus became a symbol of Remembrance Day. The poem is part of Remembrance Day solemnities in Allied countries which contributed troops to WWI, particularly in countries of the British Empire that did so. The poem "In Flanders Fields" was written upon a scrap of paper upon the back of Colonel Lawrence Moore Cosgrave, in the trenches towards the end of WW I, during a lull in the bombings (as recited to his grandson). 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 Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Ookii on November 09, 2007, 01:11:12 PM Having Canadian questions in Jeopardy is un-American.
Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Bunk on November 09, 2007, 01:28:06 PM Shut up you, you know we smuggled Trebek in there to subvert you all.
Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Murgos on November 09, 2007, 01:39:25 PM Also, tomorrow is the 10th of November. On that day in 1775 what would become known as the United States Marine Corps was established by the Continental Congress.
Quote "That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two Lieutenant-Colonels, two Majors, and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of Privates with other battalions; that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve by sea when required; that they be enlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies, unless dismissed by order of Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalion of Marines." Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Johny Cee on November 09, 2007, 01:49:56 PM Wait...
I thought the poppies reflected Canadians deep national love for heroin! Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Samwise on November 09, 2007, 06:18:42 PM So that's who's been picking the goddamn poppies out of my yard. Should have known Canadians were involved.
Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Abagadro on November 09, 2007, 06:23:29 PM During my comp exam today the ROTC decided to give a 21 gun (or 13 or something I didn't count them all) salute with some sort of howitzer or cannon about 100 yards away from my window. Scared the bejezus out of me when it went off for the first time.
Title: Re: November 11th Post by: WayAbvPar on November 12, 2007, 08:57:40 AM During my comp exam today the ROTC decided to give a 21 gun (or 13 or something I didn't count them all) salute with some sort of howitzer or cannon about 100 yards away from my window. Scared the bejezus out of me when it went off for the first time. That was just angry.bob's minions kicking off the revolution. Next step is building a sturdy wall. Title: Re: November 11th Post by: Salamok on November 12, 2007, 09:02:02 AM Wait... I thought the poppies reflected Canadians deep national love for heroin! or maybe it was a tribute to all the morphine we tossed around during the world wars. |