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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.

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

This is a poem that I have memorized as I have been asked to repeat it almost every year in school. I think from grade one on up to somewhere in high school. This poem is now one of the first things I think of when remembrance day comes up. This is probably the only poem I can still recite with any accuracy and there are few better.

I highly recommend for anyone to do a little research about the author of this poem as well as the history of how remembrance day came to be. I can not do any of this justice so I will leave this writing short today and be back later with my usual banter.

It is truly unfortunate that all of those great men and women gave their lives and we remember them one day out of the year, wear a poppy that most spend maybe a quarter on and some may even give a moment of silence, although I notice most of that has dissipated over the years. It is unfortunate that our Canadian schools seem more preoccupied with what other countries have done and not what our own country has sacrificed. Does anyone truly believe that any other country teaches their young about Canada? Thousands gave their lives so that we could exist today in the manner we do. Is this the best we can do for them?

I urge all of you to remember that this day is more than a holiday, a day off work or the thousands of poppies that will litter the streets the day after. It is worth knowing why the day exists and why everyone should care. Keep those in mind who gave the ultimate sacrifice so you can do what you do, see what you see and believe in what you believe. This is a truly great country and these men who we are remembering have a great deal to do with that.

So I say thank you. Thank you for all you have done. You are all great men and women and I am honored that I could even share the same country as you brave people. Thank you

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