Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Remembrance Day

This is Remembrance Day in Canada and in many countries around the world. It is a day to be thankful for the freedoms we have and to remember those who gave their lives for it.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

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.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae

7 comments:

AE Rought said...

That one gives me chills.

Crystal Dee said...

The US is celebrating Veteran's Day. It is a day set aside to honor those who fought for our country and for those who died in that service.
The poem you posted strikes the heart of anyone who has a veteran in their family or circle of friends. Those in the military risk their lives to protect what we hold dear. They stand for our values and our loved ones.
To all the men and women who are serving or have served, you are appreciated and respected. For those of you who have lost someone in service to their country, they are our greatest heroes.

N.J.Walters said...

Me too, AE.

I think many countries have a variation of the holiday today, Crystal. It's good to remember all those who have lost and risked their lives for our freedoms. That poem always gives me chills whenever I read it.

Shelley Munro said...

We call it Armistice Day here in NZ and have services at the 11th hour of the 11th day when the war officially ended.

It is good to remember the sacrifices servicemen and women make for us, now and in the past.

N.J.Walters said...

We have services at the war memorials here at 11 as well, Shelley.

It is good to remember all they've done for us.

Unknown said...

My uncle served two tours of duty in Iraq. Thankfully he is still with us today but I truly appreciate all he, and others like him have risked and continue to risk.

N.J.Walters said...

That is truly something to be thankful for, Kathy.