Lest We Forget

In Flanders Fields

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.

- John McCrae, May 1915

I know that I have posted this poem before, but with this being Remembrance Day, I thought it was again appropriate. I had the honour and privilege today of performing in a mass choir for our local Remembrance Day ceremonies. It was very well attended with over 6,000 people there. It was a great experience to be able to honour those who served my country in a tangible way. The best part I think was the two minutes of silence that is traditionally observed at 11:00am. It was very emotional to be among 6000 people who are completely silent at once.

I was thinking today about where we would be if those guys and gals had not given everything they had to protect the blessing of freedom that we have (and so often take for granted). Our world would definitely be a different place.

I for one remember them....