November 11th. - Remembrance Day - Celebration

On November 11th we celebrate our biggest and most important day of the year; It is our acknowledgment to all who fought for us, for all who fell for us, and for all those who continue to do so.

On this day/night we always have a full house  from the time we open the doors until the last hour that we close.  Ceremonies are held at the Cenataph at 28th. and Main.  The parade marches from there and arrives at the club at 11:45 a.m.  The pipe band marches in playing the favourites of all.   Chili will be  served at 12:00 p.m.  Afternoon entertainment "JOE MACDONALD ".   A hot & cold buffet is served at 5:00 p.m. to  7:00 p.m.  On this day  member and one quest only, we also require a dress code ( no jeans, work clothes) 10:00 a.m - 7:00 p.m.

 Where Poppies Grow

In Afghanistan where poppies grow

Our soldiers fight a vicious foe

They're over there for you and me

Fighting for democracy

They come from the east and they come from the west

Our Canada sends the very best

They're fighting there in the blazing sun

And they won't come back 'til the battle's won

There are some like you and some like me

Some disagree and some agree

It may be wrong, it may be right

But our soldiers stay and proudly fight

In Canada our life is free while others live under tyranny

We're over there to answer the call

Freedom....for one and all!

By: Bernie Smith - 2007 {Retired Vancouver Policeman}

"Please wear a poppy", the lady said and held one forth, but I shook my head.  Then I stopped and watched as she offered them there, and her face was old and lined with care;  But beneath the scars the years had made, there had remained a smile that refused to fade.  A boy came whistling down the street, bouncing along on care-free feet.  His smile was full of joy and fun, "Lady", said he, "may I have one?"  When she pinned it on he turned to say, "why do we wear a poppy today?" The lady smiled in her wistful way and answered.  "This is Remembrance Day", and the poppy there is a symbol for the gallant men who died in the war.  And because they did, you and I are free...that's why we wear a poppy, you see".  "I had a boy about your size, with golden hair and big blue eyes.  He loved to play and jump and shout, free as a bird he would race about.  As the years went by he learned and grew and became a man - as you will to."  "He was fine and strong, with a boyish smile but it seemed he was with us such a little while, when war broke out and he went away". "I still remember his face that day when he smiled at me and said, goodbye, I'll be back soon, Mom, so please don't cry.  "But the war went on and he had to stay, and all I could do was wait and pray".  His letters told of the awful fight, {I can see it still in my dreams at night}.  With the tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire, and the mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.  "Till at last, at last, the war was won.  And that's why we wear a poppy son."  The small boy turned as if to go, then said, "Thanks, lady, I'm glad to know."  "That sure did sound like an awful fight,  but your son - did he come back all right?"  A tear rolled down each faded cheek; she shook her head, but didn't speak.  I slunk away in a sort of shame.  And if you were me you'd have done the same;  For our thanks, in giving, if oft delayed, though our freedom was bought - and thousands paid!  And so when we see a poppy worn, let us reflect on burden borne, by those who gave their country's call, that we at home in peace might live.  Then wear a poppy!  Remember - and give!

By:  ~Don Crawford~