North York Central Library Blog

John McCrae, a native of Guelph, Ontario and surgeon of the 1st Brigade, wrote other poems in his life.  He is best remembered for the passage he wrote while gazing over grave-filled ravines curtained in red poppies and over the constant roar of cannon and artillery fire in the distance.

Remembrance Day is celebrated each year on November 11th to commemorate the signing of armistice between the Allies and the Germans on November 11th in 1918.  Since the Great War, other wars have followed including the Korean War, the War in Vietnam, and the War in Afghanistan to name a few.  Remembrance Day pays homage to all soldiers since the Great War. 

The City of Toronto is hosting several Remembrance Day ceremonies on November 11th before 11 am:

On Thursday, November 7, 2013, North York Central Library is featuring a program with Major Lee Phillips of the Royal Canadian Forces.  The program is called, Looking Back:  Honouring Remembrance Day in Canada and this is where he will share his personal experiences serving in the armed forces as well as highlighting the importance and significance of commemorating Remembrance Day in Canada.  The program will begin at 7 pm in the auditorium.  (Seating is limited so please call (416) 395-5660 to register.)

The year 2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran.  Veterans Affairs Canada has an 2013 newsletter called Salute! where Veteran Affairs Minister, Steven Blaney says,

Veterans Affairs Canada also offers Postcards for Peace that you could send and share peaceful message e-cards with others.  

Also worth noting: 

• The Canadian War Museum has a Remembrance Day web page with information that includes topics on Armistice Day, John McCrae, and the poppy as a national symbol.  
• Early Canadiana Online provides a wonderful archival collection of image and print resources to view on the Internet.  World War I archives are easily accessible.
• Royal Canadian Legion is Canada's largest Veterans and Community Services Organization in support of Canadian Veterans and lives of many.  Ontario Provincial Command Legion covers the Toronto area.  Consider supporting The Poppy Campaign by purchasing a poppy from the Legion.

Here is a list of some interesting World War I titles and DVDs at North York Central Library to peruse. 

(DVD)	(DVD)	(DVD)

Below is a listing of World War II Titles and DVDs at the North York Central Library.  

(DVD)	(DVD)	(DVD)

Here is a selection of historical titles on other military missions worth investigating.  

(Korean War)	(Vietnam War (DVD))	(War in Afghanistan)
(Cuban Missile Crisis)	(Gulf War)	(Peacekeeping Mission)

As Remembrance Day draws near, please take a moment to reflect on those who served in past wars and what they were fighting for.