Monday, November 10, 2008

Lest We Forget

Today is Veteran's Day/Rememberance Day. It is a very solemn day for me and I try to make it that way for my family as well. I don't cry often, but you will always find me in tears at a Veteran's parade, watching tributes to the military or whenever I am brought to remembrance of my debt to those who have sacrificed for me. I feel blessed to live in a land of freedom, but know that it came with a price, and some gave all for me.

Today, please remember and honor those who paid the price, and continue to pay the price for your freedom.

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

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.

My sister-in-law posted this on her blog and I was so touched by it I wanted to share it with anyone who reads my blog as well. It really brings home what is going on a world away, this war is real, and so are those fighting in it.


6 comments:

Christie said...

Thanks for making me bawl this morning. :-) No, seriously, I needed to remember today and I am not sure that I would have taken the time, had I not hit your blog. I haven't seen a Canadian solder tribute in a very long while. Oh how horrifying and real things are over there. It makes me sick to think that I am going to send my husband into that with in the next year. We'll try not to think about that.

Becky said...

I had to memorize that poem in 7th grade. It's nice to read it again as an adult when I actually understand it.

Anonymous said...

Your tribute is very touching Tracey. Thanks for sharing it.

Sarah said...

What a sweet post, Tracey. It all too easy to forget, thank you so much for the reminder!

Amanda said...

Thanks for the great post. Don't like to cry, but I do think it is great to be reminded.

SJacobus said...

Very nice. Thank you!