In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
Written in Flanders on May 3, 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.
We all know that Memorial Day is a day set aside for remembering those brave men and women in our armed services who have lost their lives in defense of our country. It's a gentle reminder to take a moment to consider the cost of the freedom we enjoy every moment of every day.
I've got to admit, we're pretty patriotic around here. We fly the American flag from our flagpost daily. Hubby is a veteran who served during active combat time. We've got ancestors who have fought in every war the United States has been involved in. Yeah, we're pretty patriotic. Freedom isn't taken lightly around here, because it doesn't always come easy.
So here we'll be remembering the fallen heroes. We'll recall the true meaning of the day and will observe the National Moment of Rembrance.
Yesterday we tilled a spot for a new flower garden, over by our poplar grove. This morning we'll plant red poppies there. It's something we've wanted to do since we bought this place; today seems the perfect time to finally plant the seeds.
This afternoon we'll have family and friends over. We'll laugh over silly things. We'll eat far too much. And, as always, we'll be thankful we live someplace where we can gather, laugh and feed our hearts, minds and souls with absolute freedom.
Want to know more about Flanders fields? Look here. Thinking of planting some poppies in your backyard? Try this.
And from our home to yours, wishes that you have a safe, happy Memorial Day.
8 comments:
We have red poppies planted... unfortunately, they won't bloom for another week or two! Don't they realize what day it is?
Yep, my DH served in combat as well, and my dad was in WWII (during the Battle of the Bulge), so we have plenty of patriotism in this household as well.
Happy Memorial Day.
BTW, I hit enter too soon... Give YOUR DH a hug and tell him thanks for serving from me.
K?
Lovely blog, Sarita, such a beautiful poem. My husband's grandfather served in WWI, and his father served in the Korean War. On my side, we have a Civil War general and WWII veterans. I always try to make sure my two boys understand this is not just a holiday for barbecues and fun. They're young yet, but both are turning out to be real history buffs so I think they'll catch on.
What a great reminder that there is more to the day than hot dogs and cole slaw! Thanks for that. What a touching post.
Pam
It has been a long time since I read this poem. Thank you for posting it. What an inspirational post! I'm glad that we still have a Memorial Day parade in our town. I'm trying to instill patriotism in my kids so we're going to attend.
Happy Memorial Day.
what a lovely post. My family too, have served in combat from my father, to my two uncles, to my sister and to many cousins.
Happy Memorial Day.
Your Memorial Day must be the same as our ANZAC Day. I've got relatives that served in WWII. Loved the poem, Sarita. It's reminded me of one I love called "Safe & Well" written by L/CPL C H MAWBY (Later Killed in Action). I'll send it to you.
Aussie Jude
Hope you got all the seeds planted and had a nice Memorial Day!
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