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Lakeshore Advance, 2013-11-06, Page 1514 Lakeshore Advance • Wednesday, November 6, 2013 Remembrance Day 2013 Why Wear a Poppy Don Crawford "Please wear a poppy," the lady said, And held one forth, but I shook my head. Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, And her face was old and lined with care; But beneath the scars the years had rade There remained a smile that refused to fade. A boy came whistling down the street, Bouncing along on care -free feet. His smile was full of Joy and fun, "Lady," said he, "may I have one?" When she'd pinned it on, he turned to say; "Why do we wear a poppy The lady smiled in her wistful a. way And answered; "This is Remem- `trance Day. And the poppy there is a symbol for The gallant men who tied in war. And because they did, you and I are free - That's why we wear a poppy, you see. I had a boy about your size, With golden hair and big blue eyes. He loved to play and jump and shout, Free as a bird, he would race *bout As the years went by, he learned ,. '� grew, And became a man - as you He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile, But he'd seemed with us such a little while When war broke out and he went away. I still remember his face that day. When he smiled at me and said, 'Good- bye, I'll be back soon, Mum, please don't cry.' But the war went on and he had to stay, And all t could do was wait and pray. His letters told of the awful fight (1 can see it still in my dreams at night), With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, And the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire. Till at last, at last, the war was won - And that's why we wear a poppy, son." The small boy turned as if to go, Ten said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know. That sure did sound like an awful fight But your son - did he come back all t?" A tear rolled down each faded chee • She shook her head, but didn't speak 1 slunk away in a sort of shame, And if you were me, you'd have done the same: For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed, Though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid! And so, when we see a poppy worn, Let us reflect on the burden borne By those who gave their very all When asked to answer their country's call That we at home in peace might live. Then wear a poppy! Remember - and Give! IiENSALL Mattress Centre Ltd' 107 King St., Hcnsall (519)-262-2728 www.hcnsallmajorappliancc.com Jcii KUKUrIN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 126 Main St. Dashwood 237-3613 f)i ;`t;M } ,' 44•tcktol I"•• -f• ...«.,Z;.. In Flanders FieIds In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on rout 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. 7tske up ouruarrel with the foe: Tb you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. (lye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields, -John McCrae WE REMEMBER... !tic' 0111(' 37792 Zurich-Hensall Road, RR 3, Zurich ON NOM 210 Tel: 519236-2373 bwrh.Inlo((6bluewaterresthome.corn www bwih to Manufacturer and Supplier of Steel Roofing, Cladding, Doors, Flashing and Accessories • Mil IMM 11, Wt1r 110.661-11T4 1 WOO Aber Iki 111\t)\(11r\ Msnsrs Motor rv.drcres' VIIMI OURNTIRE INVLNTORY AT. 77- www.limpexstsr.com C(; EQUIPMENT 38 Main St„ Zurich, ON Tel: 519-236-4934 Fax: 519-236-7330 Thanks to (111 the Vet('i'ctlis CGEQUIPMENT 11111:101:31071.14311403-7779. 73000 Airport lino, Hensr►II ON. www.easybulldingproducts.ca Exeter Villa 155 John Street Emit, Exeter, Ontario NOM 191 Tol: (519) 235.1581 Fax: (519) 235-3219