Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (Nov 04/98) - Few Canadians born since the First World War can say they have gone through their school years without having learned -- or at least heard -- the poem Flanders Fields, written by John McCrae.

Every Nov. 22, a new poster paying tribute to Canadian veterans is unveiled in a special ceremony. This year's poster, which is composed of a series of photographs from First World War, was unveiled last Thursday at Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters.

John Laycock, president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 in Yellowknife, said the tradition of commissioning a poster recognizing the efforts of Canadian soldiers in times of war was started about 20 years ago.

"Whatever the subject matter of each poster, whatever part of our military history it speaks to, each and every one of them remind us that Canadian men and women put their lives on the lines for their country," he said.

This year's Remembrance Day activities will mark 80 years since the signing of the armistice ending the First World War. As a reflection of that milestone, this year's poster recognizes that anniversary.

Col. Pierre LeBlanc, commander of the Canadian Forces Northern Area Headquarters, said the sacrifices of the past should not be forgotten.

"It is during events like this that we as Canadians must put our own thoughts aside for the moment and remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice," LeBlanc said. "They provided the foundation on which the security we enjoy today rests."

The poster was created using a number of images from the First World War, including a photograph of the HMCS Rainbow, the first ship commissioned in the Royal Canadian Navy.

The poster will be distributed across Canada, including one sent to every school in the country.