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. 


Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
His story here: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

We've all heard about this poem before, it has become something of a symbol for remembrance day. The first verse is featured on the Canadian 10$ bill. Let's focus on two things: A though, as usual in appreciation for what was gained by those that fought long and hard, those that died, those that lived but were not spared. The cost of victory was high; once, twice, but I and countless others sacrificed nothing for that victory. That is what we should be thankful for. Not that they fought - the state of the world at the beginning of the 20th century meant that fighting was inevitable, and plus they did not fight for our sake - but that they fought and died in our stead.

Also, I think of all those things which we are vaguely told about, and have always assumed, like this poem. It is a remarkable poem, but I did not know that it was longer than the version on the 10$. A thought out there, a shot in the dark, for all those things we were ignorant of, things that are vital but no one cares to learn.

...Take up our quarrel with the foe