Remberance Day

[ebs001]

In Canada (Great Britian, Australia also) on November 11th, we observe Remberance Day, when we honor our war dead. As part of the observance we wear poppies. This tradition started because of the poem, "In Flanders Field" written by a Canadian, during World War I. Considered one of the finest war poems ever written, here it is:

In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
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.


If you see me tomorrow, I'll be wearing a poppy and now you'll know why.

[AjariBonten]

I grew up with a Great War veteran in my home. (My Grandfather Fred, Merchant Marine in Both WW's). And we celebrated Armastice Day on November 11th, even though the U.S. in their infinite wisdom (in 1968) changed it to Veteran's Day so as not to have separate days to celebrate those who gave their all in our other wars.

Here's to All who gave their All, in whatever conflict they were in.

Fred

[sailaway21]

Thanks ebs,
Veterans Day as well in the US. I like the name Remembrance Day better. It speaks more specifically to the action desired. When I was young we all learned Flander's Fields though I suspect that that day is long past. I hope it is still in style within the commonwealth. Take up the torch, indeed.

[Valiente]

It is. I can probably still recite it. I'm taking my six-year-old out to the parade tomorrow, because even the WWII vets are getting too old to march, or to address public school kids.

On the other hand, we have a guy, "Diver" Don MacIntyre, at our club who was in the Merchant Marine (like my late father in the British MM) during WWII who is 85 and still dives in April and October (!) to inspect and service our mooring chains.

He had to take a month off last year for heart surgery, but he's back at it! Some of these fellows are still tough as nails.

[sailaway21]

If anyone wishes to send a free card to the troops Xerox is sponsoring the site below to do so. It takes only a minute and the cards are made up by kids.http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html

[camaraderie]

Good idea Sway!! Thanks once again to all the Vets on this board. I am personally grateful for your service and sacrifices.

[sailaway21]

I just found this column, the re-print actually, that I read a while back. It's a very powerfully written commentary on what we're remembering and what we're forgetting. Please read it, I think it will stir you.
http://www.steynonline.com/content/view/687/30/

[jerryrlitton]

Remember...."All gave some, some gave all"

Jerry

[Robby Barlow]

Those who remember the day(s) would probably rather forget it/them, or given a choice, not have been there in the first place

I'll raise a toast to them for contributing to my freedom - Thank you!!

[ebs001]

Thanks, SA. The last stanza of the poem, "In Flanders Field" says it all.