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.
