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.
-- John McCrae
In April 1915, John McCrae was in the trenches of Flanders, Belgium...and it was there that he wrote this famous poem. It was in part because of the popularity of McCrae's poem, that the poppy became the symbol of remembrance for those who died in the war.
I memorized that poem...word for word in the sixth grade. I could still repeat it for you...even in my sleep. Those are powerful words...not easily forgotten!
Today I wear my poppy...and I remember.
Thanks for sharing. I remember the men from the VFW, standing on street corners and in front of stores in the small town where I grew up, passing out poppies on Veterans Day. I haven't thought of that in years. Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I love that poem, I feel sad and proud and inspired all at the same time everytime I read it.
ReplyDeleteWe'll be at the cenotaph at 11 today, as we are every year. It is heartening to see the young families there to remember, to pray and to honour peace and the sacrifices made so that we may enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that post, Judy!
Thanks Judy for this - powerful poem indeed - we'll be at the service today, remembering!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog via French Village Life, and am happy to have found it today when you have the perfect post for Remembrance Day, or as we call it, Veterans Day. Those were good days when children memorized poems, which then had the power to nourish their souls for the rest of their lives.
ReplyDeleteJudy my Mom memorized that poem as a young student and always recited it to us as one of her favorite poems.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served our countries so bravely!
That poem always reminds me of school days too. I don't know if I really understood it then. Thank you for the history lesson on the author. Beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI, too, remember every word of that poem we learned in East Chilliwack Elementary School. Do Canadians still wear poppies that they buy for a small donation? To those of us living along the southern border and see or hear daily the reports of gun battles in the towns across the river from us in Mexico, being thankful for the sacrifices of those who defend our freedoms is a daily reality!
ReplyDeleteHow I wish children in school would be memorizing pieces like this today. It is a special reminder of those who need to be remembered today and everyday. Great post!
ReplyDeleteReally enjoyed the Festival of Remembrance here last night.
ReplyDeleteI wear a white poppy for peace, a tradition I picked up from England. As a Mennonite I don't believe in going to war and I don't want to suggest that I approve of fighting wars.
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