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.
--John McCrae, 1915
In watching the international coverage on C-Span, I noted the prevalence of poppies. Armistice Day, or Rememberance Day, is coming in a little over a week.
One thing to be united in, at least.
Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :
The Canadian mint released a commemorative poppy-embossed quarter recently. I always feel a little weird around Rememberance Day because my dad seems so ambivalent toward it, but he was in Korea. I dunno.
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
I always get a bit weepy this time of year.
My grandfather was in the RCAF, and at his funeral, members of the local legion came and all placed poppies (the pin version) on his suit with honour. I took a poppy, and I wish wish wish I still had it (I wore it for five or six Remembrance Days before I lost it).
"In Flanders Fields" is one of my favourite poems ever, and it never fails to make me remember. It's such an icon for Canadians. Poppy = veterans+freedom+sacrafice+duty+so much more. Even when I see real poppies somewhere, that is the first thing that comes to mind.
Now I just wish the reality of our sentiment towards our veterans was reflected in the reality of our treatment of them. Maybe someday.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Agreed.
I love that poem, thanks for posting it Sara.
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
I think the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month may well have some extra weight for us this year. A lot of deaths lately.
And, of course, a lot to fight for and against.
[ November 04, 2004, 01:10 AM: Message edited by: Sara Sasse ]