John McCrae - To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high
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Welcome to The Daily Quote—a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern for November 11th.
Today is a special day, recognized around the world as Remembrance Day in Commonwealth countries and as Veterans Day in the United States. It’s a day for honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served in the military. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the impact of conflict on society as a whole.
In recent years, many people have begun wearing white poppies alongside or in place of the traditional red. The white poppy symbolizes a commitment to peace and a remembrance of all victims of war, military and civilian alike. It’s a quiet, powerful reminder that the impact of war stretches far beyond the battlefield.
I first heard of the white poppy a few years ago when a friend mentioned he had helped the kids school implement the white poppy as an option for kids to choose. He said that the red poppy celebrates fallen and injured soldiers as heroes but they are also victims and the white poppy acknowledges and honors all the victims of war - soldiers, civilians and their families.
Very interesting concept and it makes sense to me.
Today's quote comes from John McCrae, whose poem In Flanders Fields became one of the most enduring symbols of remembrance.
McCrae wrote,
"To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high."
This line holds so much meaning for today because it speaks to the responsibility each of us carries—to remember, to honor, and, ideally, to work toward peace.
The torch McCrae speaks of isn’t just a symbol of memory; it’s a call to action. "Be yours to hold it high" suggests a duty we all share, even if we’re not in uniform. On Remembrance Day, we honor bravery and sacrifice, but the white poppy reminds us that we’re also accountable for building a world where fewer people have to endure these sacrifices. It’s a complex and even sobering idea, but one worth carrying forward.
In that spirit, let’s take today not only to remember but also to look inward. In what ways can you help hold the torch high? Maybe it’s through small acts of kindness or advocating for a cause you believe in. Remembering the past doesn’t mean standing still; it means finding a way to move forward, ideally with a bit more understanding and compassion.
So, let’s take a moment to thank those who served and to honor those affected by conflict. And if you’re wearing a white poppy today, it’s a beautiful gesture of hope—for peace, for compassion, and for a world that remembers all of its people, not just the ones who wear a uniform.
Thanks for joining me today on The Daily Quote. I hope this moment of reflection stays with you. Until next time, I’m Andrew McGivern signing off —take care, and hold that torch high.
I'll see you tomorrow for another Daily Quote.