Rememberance Sunday

 Today is Remembrance Sunday in the United Kingdom. This day is set aside to remember those who gave their lives in The Great War. Make sure you don't miss the eloquent poem written by Canadian medical officer, John McCrae. McCrae penned the poem on the occasion of the death of his good friend, Lt. Alexis Helmer. In Flanders, poppies grew in abundance and covered the fields where the war dead were laid to rest.

The poppy became a symbol of The Great War, and was adopted by various groups, the sale of which provided funds for veterans, especially disabled veterans. This same custom continues today at various places around the world. In January of this year I was privileged to be present when the VFW in Fairmount, Indiana, offered a poppy tribute to my brother in law at his funeral. It is on the backs of those who serve, that we are able to stand.

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

To learn more about World War I in the UK, read Where Poppies Grow by Linda Granfield.