In recognition of Veteran’s Day, I am reposting this from previous years.
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.
This poem was written by John McCrae. I learned it in school as a child and remember it every Veteran’s Day. My sincere gratitude to all our veterans, living and dead, for the sacrifices they made so we could enjoy freedom.
Beautiful, Noelle… Thanks so much for sharing.
You know, I learned this in junior high, as it was called back then, and am amazed I can still recite it!
So evocative! Lest we forget 🙁
I think there were about 4 that I learnt and still recall in whole or part. None for Armistice Day. Also Dad’s birthday as it happens. This one is a gem
Funny how things we learned as a child we still remember, when I can’t even remember a shopping list!
Thanks so much Jo!
A touching poem, Noelle. I like that you had to memorize it in grade school. That feels important to me. It’s important to remember the bravery as well as the deep loss.
Thanks, Diana. Amazing all the things I can remember learning in school and what I forget from day to day!
That’s beautiful Noelle. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Lovely poem❤
Funny I can still recite it after all these years~
So touching❤️
Thanks for stopping by, my friend. I’m glad you liked it.
Hear, hear! 🌺
Thanks, William. Now that our son is nearly a vet (four months away), this day is extra special.
Very moving. Thanks, Noelle.
Isn’t it? I remember feeling it even back in high school!
A beautiful remembrance, Noelle.
Thank you, John. I just heard Taps played and although I remember the words, I never knew who wrote it. Turns out it was a man named Butterfield who served in the Civil War, so it’s been around a long time!
Yes it has as well as the sorrow it represents.
Unfortunately true. Although they played taps at the camp I attended when I was a Girl Scout and I found it very soothing.
Boy scouts too.
So beautiful, Noelle. This poem is the perfect share for every Veteran’s Day. It’s deeply meaningful. Hugs, my friend.
Thanks, Diana!
Thank you for sharing this, Noelle. I feel the same way.
Thanks, Barb. Sadness and pride…
An excellent share. Ah, in the days we needed to memorize and recite a poem. I still believe it’s a good idea.
Those days were long ago,, but I think it’s still a good idea. As you get older the words take on real meaning. Thanks for stopping by!
That’s a lovely tribute, Noelle. Hugs.
Thanks, Teagan. Having a son in the military makes it special. But he’s retiring after 20 years…
It’s not often that we come across content that really resonates with us, but this one is a standout. From the writing to the visuals, everything is simply wonderful.
Thank you so much Molly. With a son in the military, my heart was in this!