Sunday, November 9, 2008

In Flanders Fields

PHOTO BY BRIAN WAUGH...


My friend, Brian Waugh, who lives in Yorkshire, England has given me permission to use his wonderful photo of this poppy as today I wanted to post Col. Lt. John McCrae's memorable poem "In Flanders Fields" and this photo just went so well with the poem. See more of Brian's wonderful photos here.



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




"In Flanders Fields" was first published in England's "Punch" magazine in December, 1915. Within months, this poem came to symbolize the sacrifices of all who were fighting in the First World War. Today, the poem continues to be a part of Remembrance Day ceremonies in Canada and other countries.

The poem was written by a Canadian - John McCrae, a doctor and teacher, who served in both the South African War and the First World War.

From Lt. Col. John McCrae


Col. McCrae was born here in Guelph and his childhood home is a wonderful place to visiit. I try to go there about once or month or so.


4 comments:

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

Great post. We must remember all this. It would be awful not to. Let's populate City Daily PHoto with poppies today and on Tuesday!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Perfect. I will be having poppies for tuesday. Well said, ano we must never forget.

Lucas Kain said...

Yay, poppies! ^^ Good job on the poppy initiative!

___
Cheap international calls

Robin said...

Stunning!

--

Cheap Calls to Netherlands