In Flanders Field

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.

You can read the story behind In Flanders Field here as well as see a copy of the handwritten poem.

Today, I am grateful for veterans young and old.  I am grateful for those whose stories remain untold.  I am grateful for all those lives that were lost.  I am grateful for the freedom that came at such a high cost.