The following poem was written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist, and soldier during World War I.
He also served as a surgeon during the Second Battle of Ypres in Belgium. He died of pneumonia near the end of the war at the age of 45.
I can think of no other poem more eloquent and poignant to remember those who have given their lives in defense of their country.
On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to honor the ultimate sacrifices made by the countless men and women of our armed forces.
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
#pamelarobertshowell #memorialday #inflandersfields