Me too.

Amen.

Same here but in the UK

Thank you for this post. My brother turned 17yrs old waiting in England to go to France during the second world war. He had lied about his age to go and serve. Always remembered .

Thank you as always. Here's something vets in the US are doing to keep traumatized folks from being deployed over and over: http://war-times.org/vets_day_2010

No words are needed. Quiet thoughts . . .

Our entire office remembered with silence .....

My thoughts exactly. God bless all those who have fought for our freedoms around the world.

We've recently acquired my husband's granddad's and grandfather's medals from both wars, respectively. Though I never kmew either of them, I kept them in my thoughts during my moment of silence today.

I went to a Remembrance Day parade with a bunch of young girl guides. It was one of the biggest turn outs ever this year. We will remember them.

Thank you.

It was good to be part of the huge crowd of people remembering at City Hall today.

In memory of my father and four uncles who all served in WWII...and friends of my generation in Vietnam and elsewhere...peace.

Am doing the same down her in Yonkers. Peace is a wonderful thing.

Both my parents served in the army in WWII.

I work at a community college in MI and both our campus' had a Veteran's Day memorial at the flagpole. It was a nice little service.

I wish we could witness peace more often than contemplating it. Some days I see it more than others, when Megan, my 5 yr. old says thank you to her 2 yr old sister, when a student of mine offers to help another without request. I wish I saw more of it in the bigger world so that my brother could be home with his wife and 4 children instead of in the desert of Afghanistan. Thank you for reminding me to think about it!

Have read all your previous posts on Rememberance Day (Veterans Day down here). Sent them to a few friends, and my father. Thank you for your eloquence.

I did not know that Canada had this holiday. Of course, I am quite sure that you celebrate many holidays that I am not aware of even though I am a Canadian by birth. My mom did not keep me informed, you see.

Thanks for this post. It is so timely given the American holiday of Veteran's Day. How appropriate that our neighbors to the north have something similar.

God bless all who have served.

Thank you for the remembrance. I am the daughter of a U.S. Air Force veteran and the wife of a U.S. Army National Guard veteran. They served and still pray for peace.

My family is from The Netherlands, I live everyday reminded that I am alive because so many bravely fought for our freedom. We will never forget! Thank you.

They shall not grow old
As we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,
We Will Remember Them.

As the granddaughter, daughter, and sister of veterans I want you to know how much I appreciate your beautiful words on each November 11. My hope for the future is that each generation knows more peace then the one before

Today is our son's birthday, he's 32 and spent 5 years in the Army in peacetime, thank God. I'm thinking of him today, my dad who served in WWII, friends who served in Vietnam, and customers who are deployed. Thanks for keeping me safe.

I work at the UK HQ of the Scout Association and we all kept the two minute silence, and remembered former Scouts who gave their lives as well as others.

My business partner & I were the only ones in our store at 11, but we stood in silence just the 2 of us. Our shop is on a busy street. It was sad to see alll the cas driving by. It is only 2 minutes, what is so important it can't wait. Thank you for you post. It was beautiful. Beth

Today is a quiet day here, with husband home from work. My grandfather was in the Pacific in WW2. my husband's grandfather was in Vietnam. My husband, 2 of his uncles, and one of my cousins have all served in the current mess. I haven't left my house today because it's only been a few months since my husband came home, and our two kids need time with daddy, but I would be wearing a poppy if I had. Thank you to all of those who came before us.

Thank you most dearly for this post and for the link to the page that speaks so poignantly about your grandfather. This really touched my heart, in more ways than you know.

Because of your reminder, today I will give prayers of peace in memory of my father and also in memory of his having feelings so similar to your grandfather's.

I thank God for keeping my friends safe and praying for the families that lost loved ones during wars.

Also, I'm shocked at the audacity of protesting at soldiers funerals...taste-less.

Thank you for reminding the world at large to show respect today (and everyday) for all our past and present service people. Also thanks for your previous, beautifully written pieces.

Ditto.

This was the best.

Stephanie, I've been reading your blog for years and I've always appreciated that you recognize November 11. Here in the US, we call it Veterans Day. I am a veteran, and I wrote about it on my blog today.

www.seattleyogini.com

Thank you for always remembering.

Thank you for this post, Stephanie. Not enough people appreciate the veterans of our countries. Many of my family members are veterans and both my sons are currently in the Army Reserves. Also, today is my daughter's birthday and she's always been proud to be born on this day.

I posted on Facebook today about my Dad and the division he served in, with an added thank you to all family and friends who have served.

I wish you could still buy a poppy here in the States. You used to be able to buy them everywhere. Veterans used to stand on the corner and sell them for a small fee to raise money for various veteran's causes. Perhaps I need to come up with a mini-kit for a knitted one?

Thanks everyone for Remembering. I am a Veteran. Its nice when people say something..the lady at Starbucks gave me my latte today and didn't charge me. She just said Thankyou...she made me cry. It was embarrassing, so I bought coffee for the guy behind me...he bought for the person behind him. That person had no one behind him so he put his money in the Poppy box at the desk.

Its nice that people remember that Veteran's come in all sizes, some are younger than others,and some are women.

We should never, ever forget. Getting off soapbox now..sorry

Amen Steph. My husband served in the US Army, my son spent 8 years in the US Marines - Afghanistan and 3 tours of Iraq. Thank God for all these folks.

Well said. My dad served in the Army Air Corp in WWII, my husband on the Ohio during the Cold War. I lost a cousin in 'Nam.

Our flag is flying today, in honor of Veteran's Day, and two minutes of silence was observed this morning, remembering all those, living and dead, who choose to serve.

I have family and friends that are currently deployed. Having grown up in a military town, the veterans are never far from my mind. Whenever they talk of casualties of the war, my heart sinks. My greatest heartfelt thanks to all those who have served and those who continue to serve.

Thank you for the poignant reminder.
I, too, have veterans in my family...and hope that we can somehow learn to live in peace so we will not need to send our sons and daughters off to wars.

The younger generation may not realize that in the United States, Veterans Day used to be called Armistice Day, in memory of the end of World War I (as Stephanie points out in her 2008 post). When the day was renamed, it bothered me that an actual historical moment was no longer acknowledged as the basis of the commemoration. But now, after nearly a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, which has produced so many veterans in addition to many deaths, I think it is entirely appropriate that we honor the men and women who have survived these battles and still carry the scars both visible and invisible. We need to do everything possible to heal our wounded warriors, and Veterans Day can help us focus on that.

Prayed for peace throughout the whole world.

Hi, I never usually comment 'cuz there are soooo many but this time I had to tell you this, my father, if he were alive, would be 103 years old meaning that he lived through both World Wars, I had asked him what it was like/what he did and he always refused to tell us, saying it wasn't for our young ears. I now have found out that I had two older half brothers, they never made it through the 2nd war either. Wow. I'm always sad on Rememberance Day. Peace.

I worked today, but right around 11am a fellow employee (about to retire) came into my office with his laptop and shared a bunch of pictures from when he was in Vietnam. Story by story, I came to appreciate the heat, the fear, the courage. Thanks to all veterans for amazing sacrifice you make to defend our countries.

I was raised to think of it as Armistice Day - the end of the war to end all wars. A truce on all of the battlefields. In Flanders, the Rhine...Beirut...Afghanistan...Kashmir....

I live near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and every year there is a big Remembrance Day parade the third weekend of the month. It commemorates a lot of things, but mostly when the Union soldiers came home at the end of the Civil War. Now men portraying both sides march. I think that is a lovely picture; even though there's still sometimes tension over the war in some areas, there is peace that day...

My young nephew has experienced things in Iraq that have changed him, forever. There are so many like him.... It overwhelms me.

It always amazes me whenever someone talks about fighting for peace. I wonder if the political prisoners in Siberian labor camps during the 1950s raised their eyes to the skies and said oh thank God there is peace. I wonder if the American slave of 1840 rose up from his work in the cotton fields and sang his praise for peace. I wonder if the Jews of 1930s Germany suffering from Nazi antiSemitism said, well thank God, at least there is peace. The point is as long as someone is denied his freedom and his human dignity there is no peace. As long as there is evil in this world, our brave soldiers don't fight for peace. They fight for US. And yes war is hell, and we should never be quick to jump into it. But also we should never fight at all if all we want is "peace."

"We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm." W. Churchill

God bless all those who have served, or currently do, and their families.

Yes, we must consider peace. On a powerful and daily basis.
--
I wanted to share this with you. This is a poem found in a hospital in the Philippines during World War II. The nurse that found the poem kept it; the writer has not been found. Singer/songwriter John Gorka wrote a tune for it; I first heard it when David Wilcox (the U.S. one) recorded it.

Let them in, Peter
They are very tired
Give them couches where the angels sleep
And light those fires

Let them wake whole again
To brand new dawns
Fired by the sun not wartime's
Bloody guns

May their peace be deep
Remember where the broken bodies lie
God knows how young they were
To have to die

So give them things they like
Let them make some noise
Give dance hall bands not golden harps
To these our boys

And let them love, Peter
For they've had no time
They should have trees and bird songs
And hills to climb

The taste of summer in a ripened pear
And girls sweet as meadow wind
With flowing hair

And tell them how they are missed
But say not to fear
It's gonna be alright
With us down here

Lest we forget, and never again. I do not agree that war is he answer, but I am, and always will be, grateful for those who place themselves in the service of our freedom. I just wish it never had happen like this. Here's to peace.

Stephanie - thank you for todays post. I am the wife, mother daughter and granddaughter of 'veterans'. My ancestors and family have fought in every bloody war since the English civil war...so here's the old toast -'absent friends...may they rest in peace.

I love what you wrote about your grandfather. My father just passed away and he was a veteran. I think he had way to much fun in the service, not like so many. But serve he did.

It's so hard to put into words what veterans have gone through when we, ourselves, have never even come close to having those experiences. I always feel as though I'm belittling them by even trying to understand. I remember, though. I tell my kids so they'll remember. When I peform meaningless tasks throughout the day I try to think, "I wouldn't be doing this if it weren't for them, my life wouldn't be this comfortable".

I too am the great-granddaughter,granddaughter, daughter, sister, aunt, and wife of Veterans. All the men in my family have served in times of peril and need.
Yesterday my husband's company provided a full breakfast for their Vets. When they called out their names and Branch of Service... Tom had tears in his eyes. God Bless those who protect us around the globe.
Amen.

Thanks that was lovely and you made my day. God Bless you.

Remembrance: I send my 30 year old son an email every year for our U.S. Veteran's day. He is an Iraq war veteran (non-combat, thanks to the powers that were) and now has a lovely family. I was so scared for five year.

I live in a small rural town in Ontario which the main street is a highway and I was really impressed with the respect shown by the big transport trucks as they passed the ceremony for Remembrance Day - they slowed to a crawl and went by quietly as they could.

I had the very great honour of laying a wreath at my children's school for Remembrance. 1000 children all stood round the quad in total silence... for the whole ceremony which was at least 15 minutes. It was very moving, I also walked with one of our serving officers and met another lad who has just got back from Afghanistan. It is so sad that our children have to understand the importance of this day too well. It should be history... tahnks to all who serve, wherever you may be.

Today (Nov 12) I had to tell four different people to take their poppy OFF. They meant well, to be sure, but had no idea that wearing a poppy after cenotaph was rude. Then again, they didn't know what a cenotaph was, either.

I love the poppy campaign, I buy one every time I see a veteran,even if I'm already wearing one, and I always thank them: Thank you for everything you did, it is because of you that I have the wonderful life I do.

And it breaks my heart how often they are startled that someone took the time to thank them.

So now that Remembrance Day is over, try it: look a veteran in the eye and thank them. I guarantee you'll make their day.

We will remember them.

Now that the official solemn day has passed, is it okay to ask when you are going to rember that extra syllable?

I read this today, Friday, with my 24 year old sitting by me, having spent today at Great Lakes Naval (Illinois) for the ceremony marking his graduation from Tech School. You must know my prayer!
Additionally, I was born in Denmark. Both my parents were involved in the Danish underground during the occupation.
How do we accomplish "never again"? How do we change / eliminate the anger, the anguish, the misery?

My Fathers cousin, and name sake, died two years before my Father was born. He died 23rd September 1918, age 20.

I have no idea if anyone but us remember him now, he died too young, they all died too soon and too young.

Here in the UK we remember them.

AMEN

My grandfather arrived back in the US from France on 11/11/18 on a hospital ship. He was wounded in the famous battle of Chateau-Thierry. Remembrance Day may be Canada's designation for the holiday, but it is certainly what this American girl's heart calls the day.

And amen.

Please, let there be more peace.

My father and his two brothers served. One of them with Oppenheimer.

A day to Remember those who have given their ultimate treasure. A day to Thank those to continue to offer theirs. Sometimes it's hard to remember that these people who currently serve our countries do so voluntarily, with their hearts and minds on the safety of their homelands. Thank you again!

Just to clear something up... poppies can be worn as long as you want, as long as they are worn with pride. But most people wear them until Remembrance Sunday, as most of the parades and such happen on this day.

In looking this up I also found out that there are white poppies and purple poppies.. Purple for animals who died in wars.

Amen.

Thanks for the post. On Remembrance Day we were in a meeting with a number folks who have served our lost those dear to them through war. One fellow showed us the You Tube video "A Pittance of Time - Terry Kelly" It's very moving and a good reminder.

Nothing to do with this post(I did comment previously on it), but when, oh when are you going to post pictures of blocked Laminaria? I'm dying to see it!

That is known that money can make people free. But what to do if somebody has no cash? The one way only is to receive the business loans and just auto loan.

God Bless Lt. Colonel James Alexander McPhee.

How ironic that we in Austria celebrate the beginning of the Carneval season at exactly the same time. Usually it is not much noted since the real Carneval season starts after New Years Eve but still the 11.11. at 11:11 is the beginning of the "fun season".
Thanks to people like your grandfather I live in a free country today. There are not enough words to say "Thank you".

Dear Stephanie, thanks for making me tear up at my desk for the second time today. :-) This did it the first time:
http://www.knightarts.org/uncategorized/what-a-joyful-noise-650-singers-burst-into-hallelujah-as-part-of-random-act-of-culture%e2%80%a8%e2%80%a8%e2%80%a8

Peace-- Gretcheng

When we lived in West Germany (MANY years ago) I was pleased to discover that the Germans and French celebrated Veteran's/ Remembrance Day on 11/11 as well. And actually much better than we U.S. Americans did- all the shops were closed.

Two years ago I started meditating with a bunch of enthusiastic lunatics. Every year they have a 6 week intensive that ends with a week long silent meditation retreat. I found out this year that they plan it for the Rememberance Day week, and on Rememberance day we do a ceremony for all those to suffered because of wars. We did a chant which we normally do at a cheery rate at a funeral pace and everyone in the hall had time to think and offer incense. I was very content that all the sacrifices which were made by my forbearers culminated in me being in the forest by a pure lake with that crowd.

Forgive me, I know it's off topic, but I just can't resist this, I have to get it off my chest:

I'm kicking myself.
I thought of it too late: Duh!!:
"YARN HARLOT CASTS OFF"!!!!!! whaddaya think?

sorry, I didn't mean to hit the post button twice.

Miss you . . . hope all's well

I hope for peace as well and the safe return of my hubby.

In memory of my loving grandfather that served in WWII: and for all of our boys in Iraq...come home safe to us.

Harlot?...are you there?..we miss you!!!!

Um, was it something we said? Where for art thou Harlot? We know you're not preparing for Thanksgiving because you've been there, done that, already.

Missing you and your wild sense of humor (which I desperately need to refrain from going insane as our Thanksgiving is next week!)

Come hither, Harlot, please.

Squee!! Love it!!