Every year, on Remembrance Day, we pause. We pause to honour the courage, the sacrifice, and the unwavering dedication of those who have served—and continue to serve—in our armed forces. It’s a quiet moment that connects generations, often marked by something as simple as a red poppy or a few lines of poetry that have stood the test of time.
One of those poems is In Flanders Fields, written more than a century ago by Canadian army surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He penned it after seeing red poppies bloom between the graves of fallen soldiers during the First World War—a hauntingly beautiful reminder that life goes on, even in the face of unimaginable loss.
A Poem That Still Speaks to Us
Over the decades, In Flanders Fields has been read in classrooms, at ceremonies, and around family tables. Its words speak to love, grief, and the responsibility we share to remember—a responsibility that feels just as urgent today as it did 100 years ago.
Each year, we share a reading of this timeless poem. Fred Napoli brings it to life on air, capturing its quiet strength and deep emotion. Listening to his voice, it’s impossible not to feel the weight and the beauty of McCrae’s words, and to reflect on the generations of Canadians who have honoured this day.
Taking a Moment to Reflect
Whether you wear a poppy, observe a moment of silence, or listen to the poem being read aloud, In Flanders Fields reminds us why we remember. It reminds us to pause, to feel, and to be grateful.
To those who have served and continue to serve—your bravery gives us freedoms we often take for granted. For that, and so much more, we will always remember.
