Passing the Torch | Canada Declares War | From Vimy to Juno: Canadians Through Two World Wars | From Vimy to Juno: Canadians Through Two World Wars

Recruitment posters drew on feelings of patriotism inspired by the Vimy Memorial and the poem In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae. It was a reminder of the sacrifice made by an earlier generation in the First World War as inspiration for this generation to step up and fight for peace and democracy once more. By quoting the last stanza of In Flanders Fields, this poster (circa 1941) intends to evoke specific feelings of patriotic duty in Canada's young men.

Blue and white illustrated poster. The Vimy Monument pillars on the right; a bare chested man, arms lifted towards the sky, holds a lit torch emanating beams of light. — (Library and Archives Canada, MIKAN No. 2897157.)

*The bottom of the poster is transcribed.*

THE TORCH; BE YOURS TO HOLD IT HIGH!

IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE

WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW

IN FLANDERS FIELDS.

McCRAE.

Printed in Canada

Issued by the director of public information, Ottawa, under the authority of Hon. J. T. Thorson, Minister of National War Services.

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