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.
It was called the Great War; the War to end all wars, but now commonly referred to as World War I. It also marked the beginning of the nationalization of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (though a few years later). If you have ever been to Gettysburg there are many makers there that simply read “Unknown” so the “Tomb” symbolizes and represents all of those in America who died “known only to God.”
This is my traditional note on Veterans Day. Don’t skip over the lines, but take time to read them; get them into your heart, mind, and soul. Understand the tremendous cost of those valiant ones who lay beneath the sod.
My Grandpa Kenlock F. Jones served in the army during World War I as did his sister Henrietta Jones. My Grandpa Adkisson tried to enlist and they told him he was too young. He and a friend went, got tattoos, and went to another town to enlist. Guess what? They saw through the ruse and told him that he was still too young.
One story on my Dad during World War II. I think it was in the Philippines that Dad hurt his finger. The doctor worked on it; there was a war going on so he had to get back in the action. They “fixed” his finger, so that it could never straighten fully, but it had movement so he could pull a trigger.
Just a few notes on Veterans Day. Take time to thank a Vet!