a remembrance day post - not for the faint-hearted!

today, here in Canada, it is not only Remembrance Day. it is also the 100th Anniversary of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI), the first Canadians on the ground in 1914. For any history buffs - their history is incredibly interesting.

To honour the 100th Anniversary, the Regiment's Colonel-in-Chief, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, specially commissioned Canadian super-star (or at least that's how i feel about him!), Bryan Adams, with his writing partner, Jim Vallance to write the song "Ric-a-dam-doo".

what is the "Ric-a-dam-doo"? it is the name of the PPCLI's flag. Princess Patricia is said to have hand-sewn the original flag, a crimson flag with a royal blue centre.

as original members of the PPCLI were of Scottish descent, they named their flag in Gaelic. the original words translate to "cloth of thy mother". over the many years, however, the true phonetic words were bastardized by members who did not speak Gaelic, and therefore the proper phonetic pronunciation became "Ric-a-dam-doo".

it was originally planned that Bryan Adams would sing the song, being backed by serving and veteran PPCLI members. however, Bryan and Jim then came up with the idea to have serving and veteran's wives, none of whom have any professional training to sing the song (stop crying JUGM, when you see the video you will cry even harder!).

the song was released on Nov 5 and all proceeds will go to the PPCLI Foundation, to help serving and veteran Canadian soldiers.

so without further ado...i give you the "Ric-a-dam-doo":

Lyrics:

In a foreign field
In a distant land
When our country called we were there

Hear the battle cry
See the Ric-A-Dam-Doo
It's the flag of freedom in the air

Always glorious
Victorious
Standing shoulder to shoulder 'til the end
While the world is turning
We'll keep the home fire burning
Until we meet again

Over stormy seas
However far way
Never fear nor fail
It's the cross we bear

Under crimson and blue
It's the Ric-A-Dam-Doo
Singing songs of freedom everywhere

Always glorious
Victorious
Standing shoulder to shoulder 'til the end
While the world is turning
We'll keep the home fire burning
Until we meet again

Under crimson and blue
It's the Ric-A-Dam-Doo

Under crimson and blue
It's the Ric-A-Dam-Doo

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and now for the video:
(i am unable to embed the video for some reason, but please click the link to hear this beautiful song and see the video!)

Here

to all who served, are serving, have family members who have served or are serving, i thank you all, in Canada, the US, Britain and Australia for all of the freedoms that i enjoy today.

thank you seems so small.