Remembrance Day is just days away. I wanted to do some research about plantings at various Canadian military cemeteries in Europe, and I have to tell you, gardening friends, that my research produced many tears, reverent awe and immense gratitude for the thousands and thousands of Canadian men and women who fought for our freedom in two world wars.
Of the main floral tributes, the maple leaf is a dominant image in plaques or on headstones. To see “row on row” of the white headstones, quietly bearing the etched image of a maple leaf, is a somber reminder. The numbers are shocking. World war One: 61,000 killed, 172,000 wounded. World War Two: 45,000 killed, 55,000 wounded. No wonder that in the war countries, the tradition of keeping the final resting places of these brave souls beautiful with plants and trees continues to this day.
Belgium has many sites honoring Canadian war dead. Canada played a huge role in the battle of Passchendaele, and there is a museum there now, with a Canadian poppy garden as part of the scenic grounds. A Canadian sugar maple is planted there, as well as other plants and shrubs that are “Canadian”. Maple trees are planted at the Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) Canadian memorial at Zillebeke, part of the Ypres Salient.
Of course, the red poppy is the main floral symbol of remembrance. This poppy was a native plant, growing wild on the Western Front in World war One. The poppy seeds, churned up during the horrific artillery shelling, did well in the chalk and limestone soil, and their vibrant growth over the battlefields and mass graves no doubt touched and haunted the memory of any surviving soldiers who witnessed them.
John McCrae, the Canadian soldier who wrote the moving poem “In Flanders Fields”, made the poppy famous as a wartime symbol. After seeing a friend killed in battle, he was moved to write the beautiful poem. Sadly, he didn’t even live to see the end of the war, dying of pneumonia and meningitis in 1918 at the young age of just 45.
Since 1921, the poppy has been the official symbol of remembrance. While the poppy movement began with the Great War Veterans Association in 1921, it was continued by the Legion, which formed in 1925. The poppy is always worn on the left, close to the heart, and is a symbol of remembrance and respect for those who gave their lives.
Perhaps you have heard of poppies in colors other than red. What does it mean? Purple poppies are signs of remembrance for the many animals (horses, dogs, and pigeons) that died as victims of war. Especially in World War One, many horses died in battle. Dogs were often used in roles where a man could not go. Their part of the war effort deserves remembrance, too. White poppies are sometimes worn to remember those who died in battle, but were focused on peace and changing attitudes towards war. Black poppies recognize the wartime contributions that were made by black, Caribbean and African peoples.
But a red poppy is still the most traditional and beautiful sign of remembrance. Please wear a poppy, pause for reflection, and remember with prayerful thanks all those who fought for the freedom we enjoy today. May they all rest in peace and so may we.
The Yorkton and District Horticultural Society will be holding their AGM and supper meeting on Wednesday, November 20. This meeting is for current members only and their guests.
Visit us at www.yorktonhort.ca and have a great week!
