Friday, November 11, 2011

Remembering what 11-11-11 remembers





IN FLANDERS FIELDS



By Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae



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


Composed at the battlefront on May 3, 1915 during the second battle of Ypres, Belgium
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10 comments:

  1. roughseasinthemedNovember 11, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    There is a nice commemoration here in Gib at 11am. But I tend to leave these things alone, best left to those who can turn up and not shed a tear, too much family history wrapped up in world wars for me. Doesnt mean I don't think of it and remember though, just done at home, behind a closed door.

    K

    (not signed in as Pippa, so you get it from me for once!!)

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  2. WFT NobbyNovember 11, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Thanks for posting that moving poem. I cycled through the Somme valley earlier this year. The contrast between the present day tranquil beauty of the willow fringed water meadows, and the scenes of carnage from nearly a century ago, was almost too much to bear.

    Wishing you a peaceful Remembrance Day,
    Gail.

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  3. rottroverNovember 11, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    Thanks for that.

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  4. Two French BulldogsNovember 11, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    nice tribute
    Benny & Lily

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  5. MaxmomNovember 11, 2011 at 11:29 PM

    Thinking of you all as you celebrate, honour and pay tribute to your Veterans.
    A poignant poem indeed...very touching!
    Sending lotsaluv
    MAXMOM IN SA

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  6. Scout and FreyjaNovember 12, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    As we honor our blessed veterans, I think of my father who served during WWII in the Pacific Theater - a member of the Greatest Generation.

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  7. KEY WEST COLLIESNovember 12, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    That is a good poem. Hope you had a great Veterans Day.

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  8. Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's PlaceNovember 12, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    I remember going to the Veteran's Parade as a child and we were all given poppies to wear...always think of that when I read this poem...

    Thank you for remembering and posting....

    Mumsie!! XXOO

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  9. PippaNovember 13, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    Misery likes war poetry. She forgot to say that. She bought a book once (about war poetry - she bought far too many books in a previous life). She posted one of her fave poems up too on one of her never ending blogs. Wilfred Owen. And a couple of pics.

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  10. The ThugletsNovember 13, 2011 at 3:27 PM

    A special poem and tribute.Never to be forgotten!

    Big Nose Pokes
    The Thugletsx

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