roadfollies -

Just found this thread today July 10 - Thank you for your post and the link.  Memorized the poem as a grade school child -  "In Flanders Field the poppies grow" - maybe a slightly  different version or just a blurred memory - haven't seen it in print in years.

I have a huge collection of red paper poppies - our local veterans pass them out every year on Memorail Day weekend - have for years.

Thanks again.

ann

Hello all!

  I'm from Canada, and we celebrate Remembrance Day on November 11. I think that it's pretty much the same as the United States Memorial Day (correct me if I'm wrong) because it follows the same ideas, and the ceremonies also follow "11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month", beginning with the customary two minutes of respectful silence. As I've heard others mention, we honour those who died while serving and the veterans; the biggest caremony is held in Ottawa at the National War Memorial. To show our respect during that month for those who have served or are currently serving, we wear the customary red poppies starting two weeks before November 11 and hold special services and memorials on that day. To read more information about Remembrance Day you can visit this website:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day

I hope this has been some help to you, and for anyone else who wondered about the Canadian traditions for observing this day.

libbreje -

Memorial Day in the US honors those who have died in service to our country.

Veteran's day honors all veterans.  It used to be Armistice Day - 11th hour of 11th day of 11th month - the guns of

of WW! stopped.  It was then changed to Veteran's Day, not sure exactly when, honoring all veterans of all our wars.

Two different holidays - two different ideas.  Both honor those who have served our country. 

It is my understanding the original intent of the poppy was to honor those who died in battle - see earlier post - re "IN Flanders Fields The Poppies Blow".

There are also links all thru this thread to various sites explaining the history of Memorial Day.

ann