Note from Judy Doucette
I’ve recently written a poem about the Newfoundland Regiment’s part in WWI, namely, the July Drive on July first in Beaumont Hamel. I feel very proud to be a Newfoundlander, and you know, it’s really only this year, after a good friend of mine told me why he doesn’t celebrate Canada Day, that I’ve understood what happened on that day in France all those years ago. I remember reading about it in high school history class, but it just didn’t sink in I guess. Then I read more about what happened, and the realization hit home. I am 36 years old, a mother of two children. My God, what those poor mothers had to endure to see their babies going to do such a valiant, yet horrific thing. The efforts given by these boys of Newfoundland, should also be remembered on Canada Day, as I’m sure a lot of people still do. I do feel, however, that I will be remembering this year, and giving the honor due to those boys who gave all for our country. I went to this year’s Memorial services at our local legion, in St. George’s, Newfoundland, and found it very hard to endure. This was the first year that I’ve been so profoundly affected by the ceremony. I guess a little knowledge and understanding of the events can tend to deepen its meaning. When the sea cadets raised their colors, and a small loud speaker blared out “Oh Canada,” pride overwhelmed me, along with sadness for the reasons behind why we were all standing there to begin with. The legioneers, the very few of them left remaining, were quieting weeping, along with a few other of us who really understood the sentimentality of the day. Children ran around happily, smiling, still unaware of what those poor souls had to endure for our freedom. Someday, I hope we can all understand it, appreciate it, and for the love of God, seek to ensure that it never happens again. God bless them all who partook in any of the wars of our country, along with their families and friends, from whom they have been ripped apart. I’ve written this poem in their honor, and will be giving one to each of the Royal Canadian Legions in Newfoundland. I hope you like it and can use it on your website also
A Red Poppy On Canada Day
Judith M. Doucette
St. George’s, Newfoundland
© 2000
Amist the heat of a summer’s day, our nation holds a
festivity.
To celebrate our Canada Day – our country’s own nativity.
Overshadowing this day of song and dance, is an event
remembered by only
a handful.
On this day, in 1916, in France, began the Battle of
Beaumount Hamel.
The order was clear, and it was given, no turning back on
the decision –
The Royal Newfoundland Regiment must engage the German “Iron
Division.”
Now, our poor, little Newfoundland Regiment, was made up of
802,
of the bravest, most valiant, benevolent, young men who took
orders on
cue.
From the trenches they poured, over the top, our heroes from Newfoundland,and made the ultimate sacrafice, so that today, with our freedom we’d stand.
Within a half hour on that fateful day, there were but 68
still alive,
The July Drive, and the price they’d pay, is a memory that
must now be
revived.
We enjoy Canada Day, but feel the eclipse, for us as
Newfoundlanders;
from a clouded memory of a bloodied mess made in France, on
its fields
of Flanders.
The Battle of the Somme, in World War I, claimed more than
they dare to
say.
Our forefathers, and the victory they’ve won, should be
remembered also
on that day.
But time, I know is such a thief, that steals such memories away,
So I’ll proudly wear, along with my Maple Leaf, a red poppy on Canada Day.
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