November 11th - Armistice Day

In the cold of the bleak morning sky, 	
we see no leaf stirs, nor birds flying by.
As we wake to the crisp Autumn chill,
we see flags at half staff, are hanging still!

It’s a day well suited for a sombre event,
when we, as a Nation remember and lament,
those who, answering Freedom’s clarion call,
fought the aggressor, and gave of their all!

As spectators watching the Parade passing by,
we’ll remember a loved one, with tear filled eye.
Proudly we’ll salute, for those we fondly recall,
who are unable to answer the bugle’s urgent call!

At Eleven, for a minute of silence we’ll pause
to show respect for those who died for a cause.
One that saw many die in the prime of their youth,
who took up arms, in the fight for freedom’s truth!

Some, placing their poppy, on the tomb
of the Unknown Warrior, do so for whom
no grave exists.  This sign of deep respect,
reminds us, they too, we must never forget!

November 11th, is a revered, auspicious day,
when we, as a Nation, show respect, and pay
tribute to those who died fighting the foe.
It’s for their sacrifice, our Freedom we owe!

Rhymer.  November 11 th, 2016.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016


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Date: 11/11/2016 9:16:00 AM
Here is the States the Armistice is forgotten in favor of Veteran's Day. I doubt kids even learn of the 11th hour of 11th day of 11th month and its significance. This poem helps keep it alive. Thanks for all you've done and this touching remembrance. Dave
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Denis Barter
Date: 11/11/2016 10:41:00 AM
Hi Dave and thanks for the comment. Although I can appreciate Veteran's Day sentiments, I sometimes think the thought behind the original Armistice Day - honouring the dead - has been forgotten. I do believe more emphasis is given to Armistice here in Canada than it is in the States. Regards Denis.
Date: 11/11/2016 8:22:00 AM
Amen, Denis. I get teary eyed just thinking about a stranger sacrificing their life for my freedoms. A debt which can never be paid.
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Denis Barter
Date: 11/11/2016 10:46:00 AM
Hi Daniel, thanks for commenting. Although I was only a youngster, I remember, all too vividly seeing villagers, who had taken part in WW I, still unable to return to civilian life, some twenty years after its end! Many were regarded as wastrels, by those who knew nothing of their experiences! The young of today could well do with a reminder that they have what they have, because of such Heroes. Regards Denis
Date: 11/11/2016 6:55:00 AM
Touching write Denis - we will remember them:-) It was amazing how silent it was today .. even the birds seemed to stop tweeting once the cannon was fired!:-) hugs Jan xx
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Denis Barter
Date: 11/11/2016 7:38:00 AM
Hi Jan, here in Ontario it is a chilly day and all seems silent. As an ex RN man myself - Korean War - this day always reminds me of the price war demands of some families! Clearly I remember the parades and ceremonies I attended - part of the Naval Guard of Honour from HMS Ceres, in the parade at York Minster - on this day in 1947! That dates me - No? This is a day when I remember far too much of war's effects which I witnessed in the Far East! As the song goes: When will they ever learn? Fond regards - Denis aka Rhymer.
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