Sunday, November 10, 2013

Lest We Forget

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.



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.
Thank You.

6 comments:

Kathy said...

I come from a large military family which includes my father, step-father, father-in-law, husband, uncles, and three of my six brothers. We all understand the sacrifices military families make. Thank you for recognizing this.

I have always loved that poem.

DJan said...

I was fairly sure you would post "Flanders Fields" here today, Jo, and I was right. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and reflect...

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

That's really nice to see such a big field of flowers !

donna baker said...

I could not remember more than the first couple of lines of that poem. WWI was such a terrible war; such long and brutal conditions and suffering. Would that we could now settle our differences without wars. Such promise that has been lost.

L. D. said...

I haven't really read it through for quite a while. It is an amazing writing.

TheChieftess said...

This is just lovely...and sooo perfect!