Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields while working as a Canadian army doctor in Flanders, Belgium in 1915. His world-famous poem now symbolizes the sacrifice of all who fought in the First World War and subsequent conflicts. In Canada, the poem’s words and sentiments have traditionally been reserved for Remembrance Day.
We stand on guard for thee.
In 1908, the Honourable Robert Stanley Weir, a Canadian judge and poet, wrote the lyrics of what would become our national anthem in 1980. These words are heard often, if not daily, at schools, hockey games, and important Canadian events. What’s more, they’re reinforced by a powerful symbol, the Canadian flag.
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
We stand on guard for thee.
The Canadian flag represents our country’s values and accomplishments. The Canadian Remembrance Torch symbolizes our cherished peace, freedom, and friendship with others.
Together, they strengthen our collective memory, amplify our gratitude, and remind us of our promise: We will remember.
The Founder
Karen Hunter is a writer, adventurer, and social entrepreneur known for her energy, passion, project management, and communication skills.
She is the granddaughter of a First World War Veteran and the daughter of a Second World War Veteran who enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1941, age 22. Her father’s Light Anti-Aircraft unit fought in the Italian campaign and later helped liberate the Netherlands. Karen’s mother was engaged to a Canadian pilot who was killed on Valentine’s Day, just three months before Germany surrendered to the Allies. Her aunt and two of her uncles also served in the Second World War.
