Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Remembrance Day


In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915


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.


November 11th marks Remembrance Day, also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day or Veterans Day. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war. It began after the First World War (or the Great War as it was called).

It is observed on the 11th of November to honor the end of WW1 in 1918. All major hostilities of World War I were formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918.

So take a moment at eleven o'clock on November 11th to remember all those who have given their lives for their country. For those still embroiled in the coils of war in the name of freedom and honor.

LEST WE FORGET...

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