While we all love a Holiday, especially one that falls with an extended weekend, giving us extra time to spend with family and friends, enjoying good food and participating in fun activities, many have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day.
Remember, Memorial Day is more than just another Holiday.
It is a day of Remembrance for all men and women who have perished in Military Service to our Country.
~American Cemetary, Omaha Beach, Normandy France
A famous poem, written during World War I,
by a Canadian doctor describing the scene before him, is one of my favorite, and is a touching reminder for this Holiday.
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.
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.
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.
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
Until next time, Honey
What a lovely time of year to remember those who served in your military. We do this on November 11th.
ReplyDeleteCol McCrae was a Canadian military doctor who died in France in 1918. This famous poem is one that is still recited by heart by Canadian school children at our Remembrance Day services. It is still so appropriate even in modern times.
Yes, I agree with my fellow Canadian, spring is a much nicer time than November for such a celebration.
ReplyDeleteThis poem has made me cry all my life, but I love it.
— K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
I've always loved that poem. Thank you for posting it. Memorial Day was always a time for our family to get together to place flowers and flags on the graves of our loved ones. We must never forget.
ReplyDeleteCandy
I love that poem, too..,especially having seen the poppies growing wild in France...beautiful! Enjoy your day...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely tribute post to our fallen military. Take care.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute. I wonder if they still give out those poppy pins I remember from a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a blessed Memorial Day,
Kathy
Happy Memorial Day Honey! Wonderful poem! Vanna
ReplyDeleteI visit it this winter.......
ReplyDeletePierre