Remembrance Day: A flower, and lives lost
Since Canada has always been patriotic in nature, but also painfully supportive of its fallen brothers in arms, its citizens wear poppies on Remembrance Day. It should be noted that the symbolism of this flower is primarily linked to the First World War. So many wars and conflicts have been etched into the collective consciousness since then. Even the striking red of the poppy cannot stop the tears that flow down the faces of the bereaved. How many of us remain troubled by all the blood left behind on the abnormally gruesome scenes of battle? World War II alone left more than 40,000 Canadian lives behind. Why then the poppy?
First, it is said to be abundant in spring-tilled soil. Doesn’t that remind us of all those lives lost during the Normandy landings in June 1944? All those devoted, committed souls, ready to defend peace and the future of the world. It is said that this flower enables harvesting and promotes better agriculture. Did those Canadians who died in combat enable the presence of all these wheat fields that now shine on these lands relieved of the historic presence of the oppressor? In some parts of the world, it is believed to have medicinal value. It is true that Canada must remember all those ills cured abroad at the expense of Canadian human losses.
Would you be surprised to learn that this flower was formerly known in French as “coquelicoq,” reminiscent of the red comb of the rooster, which is now the emblematic animal of France? Finally, this flower symbolizes fragile ardor, beauty, and consolation. Is fragile ardor the passion and resilience of soldiers who died in battle? Consolation is what remains with us when we see the flag at half-mast on November 11. Beauty is perhaps remembering that if we once carried the sword, today we carry the cross. Ephemeral beauty that stirs our emotions and makes us reach out to others in peace. A hand in which hides the poppy, a painful memory of yesterday, a promise of a better world for tomorrow.
Respectfully submitted by,
Simon Renaud on behalf of the National Human Rights Committee
RVP Quebec
