Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Lest We Not Forget.

"The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it."~ Thucydides


Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) or Veterans Day – is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, specifically since the First World War.
It is observed on 11 November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918.

Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. The day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of members of the armed forces who were killed during war.




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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.

In Flanders Fields ~ Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

Dedicated to all the brave men and women whose unselfish sacrifices and bravery shall never be forgotten.

Video credit: Youtube/DJJetplane/ Music: Dropkick Murphys/The Green Fields of France.

18 comments:

donna baker said...

It's just too sad. Why do people follow despots and war with each other? Why can't we ever learn?

Loree said...

This is a day which is dear to my heart and that poignant poem always moves me to tears.

Stella Jones said...

Such a poignant time of the year and not least because today six coffins are being returned to the U.K. They contain the bodies of six of our soldiers killed within the last week or so in Afghanistan. They will make their last journey through the streets of Wootton Bassett.
I love your post. The poppies are always beautiful and the poem never loses it's thrust!
Blessings, Star

DJan said...

What does it mean to "break the faith" of our fallen ones? I hope that remembering and appreciating their sacrifice is enough. It would be wonderful if we stopped having wars. Thank you for the reminder to stop and remember, "lest we forget."

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Great post, Jo. Let us NEVER forget those who gave their lives for US --and our FREEDOMS.

Thanks for helping us remember Veterans Day (or whatever it is called).
Hugs,
Betsy

Andora said...

I teared up also..and so sad that so many lost their lives and still are today.....A great post....

George said...

Thanks for a wonderful post. We do need to remember and to be thankful.

matron said...

My father in law,was an old contemptible,which meant he was one of the very first soldiers in France in 1914,he was wounded 3 times and gassed. He was awarded THE MILITARY MEDAL. He survived the war but would never ever talk about it.Remembrance day is very special to us as we were a military family.Thank you for putting up this post.

L. D. said...

Thank you for such a nice blog. It is a special blog that was well done.

cheshire wife said...

A thought provoking post. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

A wonderful and informative post. Thank you.

I have also written about Armistice Day today. The mood in the UK is quite different this year. We seem to be united in our support for the soldiers who are fighting in Afghanistan and there is a outpouring of respect and remembrance that I've not seen in a long time.

The Prodigal Tourist said...

Well done--especially love the poppies. (And I can finally hear the music now we have high speed!)

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Happy Birthday!!!
We have always joked in my family that everything closes down for my Nana's b-day!
If you go to my blog and scroll down and I have several posts on our new filly. She is two weeks old today!
Wishing you a wonderful day!
Misha

Sunny said...

A beautiful post, such lovely poppies.
I do apologize that I also posted Flanders Fields, I didn't know you had it also.
Happy Birthday.
Sunny

Kipling said...

As the Matron (my mum) has already said we come from a long line of Service men, especially on my fathers side. As the matron already pointed out about my Grandfather I think I should mention his brother who was awarded the Victoria Cross in the long ago almost forgotten Boar war. And make a mention about my mum who deserves a medal for sixteen years service as a soldiers wife to my father, then another twelve years as mother to her two sons who both saw active service. (my brother and I) I think that days such as poppy day as we call it aren't just about remembering the dead, of any war, but in equal measure remembering those they left behind at home as well. Great post, and a family favourite, in Willie McBride'

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