We are the Dead

The terrible terrible loss

These photographs although graphic, show the terrible loss of life.
And the horrible mud trenches that these men fought in and died in.

My Grandfather

Some, like my Grandfather, although they survived
the initial gassing, died a few years later from the effects.

Foremost among memorials is the National War Memorial in Ottawa's
Confederation Square. The twenty-three figures in its archway represent
all arms of the service and its sole inscription is "1914-1918". The memorial
honors 619,636 Canadians who served abroad, 66,655 of whom gave their
lives.

In the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower of the Parliament Buildings
in Ottawa the story of Canada in the First World War is inscribed in marble
panels set in the walls. On the alter rests the Book of Remembrance.

Of the 105,210 members of the British forces of the First World War who
have no known graves, 19,660 were Canadian. The names of these men
are inscribed on memorials in Canada and Europe. 11,285 are on the Vimy
Memorial, and 6,994 on the Commonwealth Memorial at the Menin Gate in
Ypres. On the Newfoundland Memorial at Beaumont Hamel are the
names of 814 Newfoundlanders who have no known grave.
o In addition, the Unknown Warrior, interred in Westminster Abbey on
November 11, 1920, represents all the First World War "missing" of the
British Commonwealth.

Canada has in France and Belgium thirteen battlefield memorials
commemorating the exploits of Canadian and Newfoundland troops in the
First World War. Two of these, Vimy and Beaumont Hamel, were also
used by the Imperial (now Commonwealth) War Graves Commission to
commemorate the names of those whose last resting places are unknown.
All the Memorials are maintained by the Commission acting for Canada.
The five memorials erected by Newfoundland following the First World
War became the responsibility of the Government of Canada when
Newfoundland entered Confederation in 1949.

The Aftermath

The armistice of November 11, 1918 brought relief to the whole world.
The horrible struggle with its death, destruction and misery was at last
halted. It had truly been a world war. Sixty-five million men from thirty
nations bore arms in it; at least ten million men were killed; twenty-nine
million more were wounded, captured or missing; and the financial cost
was measured in hundreds of billions of dollars. Never before had there
been such a conflict and we pray that there never will again.

Source Veterans Affairs Canada
Link to their site is available below.

"In Flanders Fields"

Was first published in England's "Punch" magazine in
December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices
of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues
to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other
countries.

The poem was written by a Canadian
John McCrae, physician, soldier, and poet, died in France
a Lieutenant-Colonel with the Canadian forces.
When you see the pictures and read the stories of these men
this poem takes on a very personal meaning.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky.
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be your to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die.
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

{John Mcrae 1872 - 1918}

The Anxious Dead

O guns, fall silent till the dead men hear
Above their heads the legions pressing on:
(These fought their fight in time of bitter fear,
And died not knowing how the day had gone.)

O flashing muzzles, pause, and let them see
The coming dawn that streaks the sky afar;
Then let your mighty chorus witness be
To them, and Caesar, that we still make war.

Tell them, O guns, that we have heard their call,
That we have sworn, and will not turn aside,
That we will onward till we win or fall,
That we will keep the faith for which they died.

Bid them be patient, and some day, anon,
They shall feel earth enwrapt in silence deep;
Shall greet, in wonderment, the quiet dawn,
And in content may turn them to their sleep.
(Author unknown )

In honor and memory for my lost Grandfather
Henry Montigue Sanders.

November 22 1887- September 29th 1926

And his Son, my Father, Harry Sanders
July 1918- March 1973

And to all the Grandfathers and Fathers
who fought served and died for our freedom.
May they finally rest in peace..

Camomile's World

Research material from Veterans Affairs Canada

Sacred Pastures by Geoff