Happy Veterans Day & Remembrance Day & Poppy Day & Armistice Day!
Many people of Icelandic descent have served in the North American military. Each year on 11. November, we honor them on a day called Veterans Day here in the USA and Remembrance Day in Canada. This federal holiday is also known as Armistice Day and Poppy Day. This day marks the end of World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
There are two holidays that honor the military. They are Memorial Day in May to remember the people who died while serving and Veterans Day in November that celebrates the military service of all veterans. Remembrance Day or Poppy Day has been observed in Canada since the end of World War I. A red poppy is a symbol of Remembrance Day and comes from the poem “In Flanders Fields”.
There are two great books published by the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE about the Veterans of Icelandic Descent. These books are important records of our family members and cousins in North America. You can view the contents of one book here: http://archive.org/details/minningarritsl00winn. Both books can be ordered at http://www.ABEBooks.com or contact the Tergesen General Store in Gimli. Phone: 204.642.5958. The Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE has a Facebook page if you want to check it out.
I also want to wish my Norwegian and Scottish-Irish Mom a very Happy Birthday.
She was born 11. November. I will be seeing her tomorrow for her birthday lunch.
Even though she is not Icelandic, she has been a great supporter of the Icelandic community and my obsession with everything Icelandic.
Thanks for your support and encouragement in this Icelandic adventure and with this Icelandic Roots site, Mom.
