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!
Unfortunately that freedom is under threat from the man occupying the White House.
Best Wishes
Kevin
I think there are many on this side of the pond who would disagree with you. The many shenanigans (to put it politely) that the Democrats have pulled over the last ten years are the real threat. People in Europe only hear what our liberal media wants them to hear. Better to get a balanced view.
I challenge you to watch this video that plainly lays out just a few of the ways Trump is trampling on the American Constitution. If you only watch Fox News you will not hear the appalling truth. Trump has called for US sentators to be Hung because they said that the military should not obey illegal orders. https://youtu.be/qmUbEiwZIng?si=VeZTgRhAUddSWzjs
This is not Democrat versus Republican its Truth versus the Fascist that is in the White House. The people in Germany in the 1930’s felt Hitler was a nice guy just trying to make Germany Great Again.
This is such a moving poem. Every time I read it, I feel so sad that the world chooses war and death, and that the young give up their lives for it. Thank you for honoring the sacrifices of our vets, Noelle. <3 <3
You’re most welcome, Diana. This day has special meaning because of my son’s service.
<3