At the end of World War I in 1918, an American YMCA work named Moina Michael, published a poem called, “We Shall Keep the Faith.” It was a call to remember and act as the fallen warriors. She also vowed to wear a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who served in the war. This gesture was inspired by the 1915 poem by Canadian physician John McCrae “In Flanders Fields.” Its opening lines refer to the many poppies that were the first flowers to grow in the churned-up earth of soldiers’ graves in Flanders, a region of Europe that overlies parts of Belgium and France. Ever since, the poppy has become a symbol of remembrance in the English speaking world. It has been especially prominent on Memorial Day in May and Veteran Day on November 11th.
Remembrance Sunday is one of the liturgical services for honoring veterans. It allows for a brief time of music, silence, wreath laying and a call to remember the fallen. Our service will feature the music of trumpeter Ben Alle.