Now, more than ever, we are reminded of the blessing of being in peace. On this day, Remembrance Day/Memorial Day, we reflect on the privilege most have taken for granted, a peaceful world.
It is heartbreaking to see so much conflict happening around the world.
When I was still in school, I was forced to memorize this poem every year for Remembrance Day, and now, as the wars are becoming more intense, this poem speaks so much more to me than before. Please take a moment to reflect on each word and what it means to you.
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| original handwritten version |
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae 1919
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.
