Lest We Forget



Tomorrow, Nov. 11, is Remembrance Day. This poem was taught to us early in school and was a centrepiece of Remembrance Day observations every year. It continues to be one of the most touching pieces of verse I have ever read. It was written by Dr. John McRae, a Canadian doctor serving in the Second Battle of Ypres in May, 1915, after a friend of his was killed.

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.

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As many of you probably know, a great many Canadians wear small poppies leading up to Nov. 11, in remembrance of those lost. So, when you're going about your daily duties today, don't forget these guys.