Wednesday 11 November 2009

Rememberance Day - The End of World War 1

World War 1 Finally ended.
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918
Beyond the elation of the end of the War was the deep sadness of all the lives that were lost.
I think it is very apt that the symbol we use to commemorate this time and remember all those lost lives is the Poppy, growing wild in the fields that once held the battles, it's vibrant red and beauty to be worn on our left side over our hearts.
Lest we forget



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.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae (1872 - 1918)


10 comments:

Sue from Oregon said...

a hauntingly beautiful verse.

Unknown said...

Thank you Jak, It means a lot to me as my father served during this terrible war - and his younger brother died at Flanders.
You are a very caring person
Barbara

My'scardcorner said...

Beautiful and certainly a time to reflect
Myrax

Nerdy Girl.... The Life of Linda said...

I can remember studying "In Flanders Fields" at school. It was probably the only meaningful piece of literature we ever reviewed.

Ben

Purely Stamping

Unknown said...

Many thanks Jak for this lovely post. After attending the service on Sunday at our local cenetaph with my Grandson who is a cadet and is adamant is going to join up, I was moved to tears for the lost souls of these wars. The military plays a huge part in our family. My thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones.Vera x

Mad Mary said...

A beautiful Verse Jak, thank you so much for sharing it with us.

Mary x

Marge said...

So often we so easily forget that these people's ultimate sacrifice is the very reason we are free to enjoy our lives. A great reminder for us to all remember and give thanks, Jak!

Sheila - Ginger said...

Such a beautiful verse Jak and thank you for posting it.

Love Sheila xx

Jennie - The Crafty Wife said...

It's so true Jak, we should never ever forget the ultimate sacrifice made for our freedom.

Leigh said...

Thanks Jak, a timely reminder. As well as 11/11, Australians and New Zealanders also remember Anzac Day, 25th April each year.