Remembrance Day, sometimes known as Poppy Day, is a memorial day to reflect on those who fought and sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and liberty. The day is held on November 11th due to it being the day the First World War ended (Known as the Great War at the time) It ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. although celebrated mainly by the UK and the rest of the Commonwealth, its meaning goes so much future.
Ireland & The Great War
At the start of the First World War in 1914, Ireland was divided on whether or not to fight for the British Empire or against them. the former fought with the British in the hope of gaining Home Rule for the island of Ireland, meaning Ireland would have its own self orgainsed government while still being part of the UK. However, as most of you know in 1916 The Easter Rising occurred which changed the direction of the Irish motive now aimed at complete independence with the War of Independence occurring from 1919 to 1921.
However in 1918 when the Irish men who had fought alongside the British in hopes of benefiting the people of Ireland returned, they were shunned from society being seen as a disgrace to the country and its cause for independence. A whooping 210,000 men were disregarded by their own people, many of which being killed by the IRA in later years.
While I am not against the heroic actions of the Irish Volunteers and leaders who fought for Irish Independence, without whom we would not be the same country we are today, I still think it is unfortunate that those who fought alongside the British be seen as a stain to our history just because they lacked the hindsight of 1918 Ireland when leaving to fight in a 1914 war.
Ukraine
It appears man can not live without war as yet again in 2022 Europe has been hurled into another war involving one of its own and a neighbor. Russia's illegal and unjust war in Ukraine has sent shock waves across the world which we have not seen on this scale since the Second World War. Ukraine's civilians from all walks of life have proven their dedication, devotion, and grit toward the love of their home in protecting it with a strong stance against the mass Russian army.
War however is not without its downfalls, as thousands of innocent people have been displaced or killed in attempts to stay safe and protected. I think it is import this day to remember that to this day we still have people on the front lines sacrificing their own well being for the sake of others. However, the still ongoing war in Ukraine does show the almighty strength of the people of Ukraine who will stop at nothing but to regain 100% of occupied territory.
Power to Ukraine and her people.
Why A Poppy?
You might be wondering why a poppy is the given symbol of the day of remembrance. They were the most common sight of flowers on the Western Front landscapes as referenced in the famous poem "In Flanders Field" by John McCrae (I highly recommend reading this poem). The poppy also represents consolation, remembrance, and death being used as such representation since ancient times, being placed on. tombs and graves to symbolise eternal sleep.
A Day For All
We as a society think back to circumstances such as the Second World War and think this will never happen again. War doesn't happen overnight, it is a build up of events that lead to nothing but pain and misery. It is only when we look at such events that have escalated to war that are we truly able to avoid it. Did any of us honestly think we would live to see another war in Europe?
Remembrance Day doesn't represent any particular war or people, but instead, to the innocent, those who laid down their lives in all wars for the sack of justice, freedom, and peace, for without such brave soles we would not enjoy such liberties today.
"Lest We Forget"
(It should not be forgotten)
