11th November, 2026

Remember

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row …

— John McRae, a Canadian physician, gunner and medical officer in the Canadian Expeditionary Force

Last November, I was in England delivering a keynote address during the week leading to Remembrance Day. At King’s Cross train station, I was impressed by the commitment I saw to all we honour each November 11th. I was in Europe much of last month, and it’s good to be home this Remembrance Day.

Along with wearing this year’s poppy since arriving home, I ‘m one of the countless people who’ve paused today to reflect and pay respect.

I also think of relatives who’ve served in past wars. In today’s Instagram post, I included pics of our dad and other relatives across generations who’ve worn their countries’ uniforms in service.

Here, I bring you a pic of my dear Uncle Bill. Irish-born, he and his family moved to Canada when he was a very small boy. You can see he was in England at the time of this snap, yet not once did I – or anyone of my generation or our parents’ – hear him speak of his war experiences.

I do know that, at one point during his service, this very tall, quiet spoken and highly principled man was a sniper in The Netherlands. One can only imagine the memories with which he lived.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS – John McRae

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 yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
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 yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

images © 2026 Shelagh Donnelly. All rights reserved.