I'd like to thank my two grandfathers who were in WWII. I also have a 2nd cousin who was in the army, and continued to work with them in a civilian role afterwards. With any luck we'll never be called up and have to experience what these people went through. Today is Armistice Day/Remembrance Day, and over here a two minute silence was observed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to commemorate the end of the First World War, and to remember those who gave their lives in all wars. Here is the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae that inspired the annual poppy campaign: 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.