The Origin of Lest We Forget
November 11th, 2011 by Michael Kwan
It is on this day that you may hear the term “lest we forget” quite often, but what does that really mean? And how did it start?
In short, “lest we forget” is meant to offer a warning “about the perils of hubris and the inevitable decline of imperial power.” It is a plea for us to remember the sacrifices of those who serve our respective countries, particularly including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is for both wars of the past, as well as those still going on today. The phrase originates from “Recessional,” a poem by Rudyard Kipling. You may know him better for authoring The Jungle Book.
And so, here we are. Don’t forget to take a moment of silence to reflect today and to thank a veteran if you see him or her. Lest we forget.
Tags: phrase origins, remembrance day, veterans day
Filed under Stuff.
