In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 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."
I am so proud to be British - and not just because we've had a humdinger of a patriotic Remembrance weekend. Or rather, Week. Last night's Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, for instance. Where in the world could that have been but Great Britain? Throughout the years it has been our opportunity to pay homage to our heroes, the men and women without whose sacrifice and courage we couldn't live the life we do, free from fear, free from persecution.
And yet there are STILL some who say we should draw a line under it all, stop all this pomp. WHAT???
This week has been more meaningful than ever and, for me, one of the most poignant moments - the entry of some of the War Widows to the Albert Hall - made the more so by the acknowledgment of the War Widowers, the children, friends, colleagues and brothers-at-arms.
As long as there are wars on this Earth WE MUST NOT FORGET.
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12 comments:
Right On, Angie, right on!!!
Like you I have watched all the coverage of the Remembrance ceremonys and been very moved ,It is hard to learn that since we watched similar programmes last year 111 ,Men and Women ,have lost their lives ,we simply cannot afford this they are far too special each and everyone ....love Jan xx
Top stuff Angie. We owe them so much.
Hope all's well with you? How goes Mr. Satsuma's Reign of Terror...?
R&J xxxxx
We should never forget. Growing up we used to wear poppies to mark the day but poppies are no longer distributed on Veteran's Day. I keep looking for them though, hoping to bring back the tradition.
Amen to that! I feel the same way. We just had our Veteran's day holiday over here. God bless all the service men and women who serve or who have ever served for the cause of freedom..... and thank God for the brave souls who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives so you and I can enjoy the freedoms we have.
God bless them all and their families.
Have a good week. Hugs, Lura
Very moving weekend. We spent most of yesterday afternoon watching remembrance specials. We must never forget. Now, too, with a son in the Armed Forces it takes on an ever more special meaning to me. I can't believe I'm seeing you later today! Yahoo!! Safe trip! xxoo
right on Ang...we should NEVER forget..xx
You are so right! We must never forget what others have paid for the cost of our freedom.
No, we should never forget. Well said.
We should never forget the sacrifices made by our Service personnel and sacrifices they are still making for us for our Freedom ~ we do owe them so much ~ Ally x
I have just become a follower of your blog. I am happy as my soldier has just arrived home.
Good post
Lest we forget
Beautiful, Angie. And this from an American...
Ben
http://kissthecook-ben.blogspot.com/
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