Don’t Forget to Remember!

Woof! Tiny forget-me-nots have a special meaning in Newfoundland and Labrador. These flowers are often worn on July 1^st, also known as Memorial Day in my home province.

While the rest of the country is celebrating Canada Day, Newfoundlanders also remember those who died in war. It takes place that day to honour the hundreds of men of the Newfoundland Regiment who were killed or wounded at Beaumont-Hamel, France, on July 1, 1916. Think of all the young men who lost their lives and how sad their families were. Forget-me-nots are a great reminder that we should always remember those who died in service.

After the First World War, the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial was created in France. It has rocks and shrubs from my home province arranged around a big bronze caribou. Along with having forget-me-nots in our garden, let’s include some plants that grow in each of our regions so our home provinces are represented, too. I can’t wait to get started!

Did You Know?

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Ottawa contains the remains of an unidentified Canadians soldier from the First World War. Laurel leaves are engraved on top of the tomb. Laurel branches are also found on the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Today, laurel leaves are also considered to be a symbol of peace.

A Purrr-fect Idea