Last modified: 2007-02-10 by phil nelson
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Lately, I've been seeing a flag flying on the same pole as the national
flag about veteran's lodges and the like for Remembrance Day coming up. (In
the US, it's called Veteran's Day according to my calendar.) For those who may
not celebrate it, in Canada it's to remember those soldiers who have given
their lives in World War I. It is celebrated on November 11, ceremonies are
usually held at 11:00 local time to commemorate the November 11, 1918 signing
of the Armistice at 11:00. (Ed: See correction below)
The flag features a poppy, which is a symbol of Remembrance Day in Canada
(veterans sell plastic poppies for the public to buy and wear proudly, I buy
one every year, I make a point of it.) and the motto "Lest We
Forget", a common phrase heard this time of year. The white background
I'd like to think is not because it's similar to a BSF, but rather for peace,
though the former is probably correct.
David Kendall, 5 November 1997
Actually 11:00 is the time when the Armistice took effect. It was
signed between 5:00 and 5:30 am (by British and French time, which were then
the same). It included a 6-hour delay in order for all the troops to be
notified, and the time was rounded off to 5:00 for convenience.
Mark Brader, 23 April 2005