I am grateful to all who serve and have served. I am in particular this day remembering my father and father-in-law who each served in WWII.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
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.
by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Terrie,
ReplyDeleteThis poem is read over the intercom of every school I have ever taught in or at an assembly for the Remembrance Day holiday( it is a holiday here in Canada for many people) It always makes me cry- It is usually played with the last Post and followed by a minute of silence. McCrae was a Canadian doctor who wrote it for a dear friend who lost his life in the battle field. There are a couple of books by Vera Brittain ( not sure that is the correct spelling) called Testament of Youth and Testament of Friendship written about the first World War. I was given them many years ago and enjoyed them very much ( I am not sure that enjoyed is the right word because they are not a cheery read- but powerful, emotional, thought provoking about the true effects of war). A common thread in the story is the futility of a War that they thought would be over in a month or two. It also was the first War where there was so much horrific injury because of the new nerve gas and other equally horrible ways they found to destroy one another.
My father in law and two great uncles served in WWII. They are all gone now but well remembered and well loved.
Thanks for remembering those who serve and gave their lives to live in peace.
Warmest regards,
Anna