From month to month and from year to year the call for men has been
continuous and insistent. When we had organized an army of 100,000
another 100,000 was demanded. When 200,000 had enlisted there was an
appeal for 300,000. When 350,000 had enrolled a Canadian contribution
of 500,000 was authorized. By voluntary enlistment 430,000 men were
secured and 332,000 of these have crossed the sea. In all the long span
of human history there is nothing more romantic and majestic than this
great gift of manhood from the new world to restore freedom in the old.
Even when the bells ring for peace many of those who left Canada in the
pride of youth and strength will not come back. The loss is grievous
even though they were where they should have been when they fell.
The casualties in the Canadian army exceed 100,000 and 30,000 sleep
in France and Flanders. Many of those in the trenches have borne the
strain and shock of war for years, separated from wives and children,
from fathers and mothers, from all the associations and interests which
give normal life zest and value. They have no obligation to country or
Empire which does not lie as clearly upon all of us. If we deny the
support which they need we shall be dishonored.
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep though poppies grow
In Flanders’ fields.