In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915
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.
Major John McCrae wrote that poem after a close friend (Lieutenant Alexis Helmer) was killed during the Second Battle of Ypres.
It is now very well known across Canada. This poem, along with poppy pins such as this:
are two of the most well known symbols of today's National Holiday, Remembrance Day.
Today is the day our government has designated as a time to remember and honour those who have served our country to protect our rights and freedoms, especially those who gave their lives to do so.
Many people think it is to remember those who died during the First and Second World Wars. I personally think we should remember all the soldiers who have put their lives on the line to serve our country. Both in times of peace and in times of war.
That is why I proudly have this sticker on my vehicle:
Whether or not you agree with war (a particular one or the idea in general) it is my personal opinion that you should show respect to those who serve.
We should all appreciate our rights and freedoms and never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for those same rights and freedoms.
Today is Remembrance Day. Wear your poppy with pride.
"Lest we forget"
*images found online*
*images found online*
Amen
ReplyDeleteI would wear a poppy if I had one. Today is our Veteran's Day.
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ReplyDeleteSorry about the deleted comment - I thought of more stuff to add...
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Thanks for posting that - I meant to post something similar. I have that poem memorized, it is very speical - not as a Canadian thing, but a remembrance thing...We had to write it out in school, for entry in the fall fair.
I was in the military (the reserves)for a few years when I was younger - this day always makes me a little melancholy - thinking about all of those brave souls - past and present - who are out there on the front lines trying to make a difference in the world...sometimes I wonder if I would be over there if I had stuck with it - not that it is all about me or anything...
oregonsunshine - I'd be more than happy to mail you one for next year if you like. We (Pie & I) have a whole bunch.
ReplyDeleteThe poppies are sold as a fundraiser for the vets. You are supposed to donate a quarter when you "buy" one so we usually throw in a bunch of change and take one or two.
They are brought out at the end of October. Last year there was a gentleman from New York in our restaurant. He was up to do some hunting. When he paid his bill he noticed the poppies and collection jar by the till and asked what they were for. He mentioned he'd seen so many people wearing them that he thought there HAD to be a reason. After we explained he asked if it was okay for him, an American, to take one. We told him of course so he put in a bunch of quarters and took some with him.
I hate to admit this level of ignorance but I had no idea Canada had a holiday today too - or for what it was.
ReplyDeleteBut I am glad to know you guys have one too - a day to remember those who have fought, and those who have fallen. I think it's important because its true - if we do not learn our history and from it then we are doomed to repeat and those men will have died in vain...
No specific symbol. We use yellow ribbons or magnets on our cars similar to yours.
ReplyDeleteI love Veteran's Day. I make a big deal out of it at school with my students. We, as a family, always do something for the Veteran's in our lives.
This was really beautiful and I love the meaning behind the poppies, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that with everyone :)
~Lisa
New Mexico, USA
I have that ribbon on the sidebar of my blog :0) I worked at the cattle auction that day, and we observed 2 minutes of silence in the middle of the sale. (The cows didn't though!LOL!)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you have an Uber Amazing blog :)
ReplyDeleteCome gather your award.
~Lisa
Love it, even though I am a few days late...lol!!!!
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