In memoriam

 

In Flanders fields the poppies blowBetween the crosses, row on row,  That mark our place; and in the sky  The larks, still bravely singing, flyScarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days agoWe 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 dieWe shall not sleep, though poppies grow        In Flanders fields.

Every Memorial Day, I read this poem and remember the charge given us by the fallen. To assist our Pinterest-ready, Buzzfeeding world, I highlighted my favorite bit in the adjacent graphic.

Enjoy your day to the fullest. But above all,  remember.

Published in General
Like this post? Want to comment? Join Ricochet’s community of conservatives and be part of the conversation. Join Ricochet for Free.

There are 5 comments.

Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.
  1. Profile Photo Inactive
    @RandyWebster

    I don’t want to be picky, but I think it’s “In Flanders fields the poppies grow.”

    • #1
  2. Profile Photo Member
    @

    Actually the author’s original is “blow” but was later changed to “grow” when republished later in a popular periodical. 

    • #2
  3. Profile Photo Member
    @

    I didn’t know the Americans cite this poem.  It’s a Remembrance day staple in Canada.

    • #3
  4. Profile Photo Member
    @TFiks
    But I thought we’d befriended all our foes now? The concept of “foes” is  an anachronism now that we have such enlightened leadership.Who, in his right mind, would want to catch any thrown torches now?

    It feels bad to be sardonic even on a holiday like today’s. Please tell me this feeling won’t last forever.

    • #4
  5. Profile Photo Inactive
    @RobertPromm

    I grew in in Canada in the ’50s and this was one of the first poems we learned.  Together with High Flight, they were the staples of Remembrance Day which is November 11th. 

    • #5
Become a member to join the conversation. Or sign in if you're already a member.