On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember and thank the thousands of men and women who sacrificed their lives fighting for freedom and democracy.
Though many of us have never experienced the horrors of war, we pin red poppies to our clothes as a sign of respect and reminder of the sacrifice made by the soldiers for this country.
For those directly affected, the poppy is more than a memory. The poppy – a common sight on the Western Front, was the only flower that flourished and remained strong despite the soil stirred up by fighting and shelling. The poppy is a common symbol that represent everything from peace to death and even enteral sleep.
The sight of the poppy provided Canadian doctor John McCrae to create the poem, “In Flanders Fields”, during his time in Ypres in 1915. This poem has become one of the best known depiction of the terrible cost of war. It reminds us of the importance of the battles that were fought to keep the torch of peace
and freedom burning which include - the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War, subsequent conflicts, and during peacekeeping missions.
During the First World War and the Second World War, it affected everyone - The employees of Manitoba’s electrical and gas companies were no exception. They took up the torch for freedom and democracy, and served in the two great world wars. Many offered the ultimate sacrifice for what they believed in. Thanks to their valiant efforts and selflessness, we continue to live in the freedom and peace.
Today, in our main lobby you can find the list of Employees Honour Roll from the Manitoba Electrical, Gas & Transit developed in 2005 to commemorate “The Year of the Veteran”. Individuals who served and who were later employed by the electrical industry upon their return from service are not reflected in these listings.
The poppy continues to be used worldwide to raise funds for veterans, and to remember those who sacrificed themselves for a
world we live in today.
The Manitoba Electrical Museum will be closed for Remembrance Day. We will be open again the following day, Friday November 12.
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