In Flanders Fields
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.
John McCrae
My beloved old grandad (who died aged 100 years and 4 months old in December 2008) held great store by Remembrance Sunday. Every year (even last year when he was so frail and over 100 years old) he would dress up in his Sunday best and watch the television broadcast of the Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph (The Queen, government representatives and soldiers march to the Cenotaph (empty tomb in Greek) in London and lay wreaths. A two minute silence is held to remember all those who have died for their country in the First World War and all wars since. The “Last post” is played on a bugle to introduce the two minute silence at 11 o’clock and “Rouse” is played at the end. Other commemoration services are held in churches and at war memorials throughout Britain). It seems strange that this year, for the first time ever in my life, he won’t be phoning me to remind me to watch the service. I will watch it anyway ~ and I shall remember those who so bravely gave of their lives … and I shall also remember my beloved grandad, whom I still miss greatly. RIP.
Alfie: Born (approximately) 1st September 2008 (from Cat's Protection rescue centre)
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This must be so hard! {{{HUGS}}} to you! Your granddad was a special man!
By: Mabs on November 8, 2009
at 10:34 am
Bless you, Jan.
I am occupied at present with a fervent hope that they will observe at least a minute’s silence on Wednesday at 11.00 at college…somehow I’m not sure, though. That’s amazing about your Granddad dressing up in his Sunday best, even last year to watch the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
How blessed you were (and are) to have him in your life, and to have had him in your life.
By: Shady on November 8, 2009
at 3:33 pm
I remember, as a little girl, war Veterans standing on street corners giving our paper poppies, and taking donations to support their medical needs. People pinned those poppies to their lapels. No one does this anymore.
By: Elizabeth Munroz on November 8, 2009
at 9:28 pm
Hi Elizabeth,
I’m sad to hear that no-one in the USA wears poppies any more ~ here in the UK almost every lapel sports one. They are still sold on street corners and in shops as we approach Poppy Day ~ and almost every newscaster or interviewer on TV wears one too. They are prolific here.
By: Author on November 9, 2009
at 8:45 am
They still hand out paper poppies on the Fourth of July where I live and I always keep it on me somewhere. One fourth of July when I was wearing mine I noticed little Lady Bug had found the paper poppy on my shirt and was crawling around on it. I took it as a sign that my grandma was near…because I was sitting on my couch inside my house when I saw the lady bug, which my grandma always said were good luck. I don’t know where the lady bug came from or how it managed to find the poppy on my shirt.
By: pumpkin1027 on November 9, 2009
at 3:59 pm
My kids also made poppy’s at school last year, in remembrance and brought them home…so the tradition here in the USA hasn’t died.
By: pumpkin1027 on November 9, 2009
at 4:01 pm
I hope we remember to stop at 11am at my work on Wednesday. I had an uncle who fought in WWII and my dad fought in Vietnam.
By: Tracey on November 8, 2009
at 10:06 pm
My great grandfather fought in WWI. His lungs were never the same when he returned. He actually died in London in 1941 of bronchitis – in the midst of another war. I wonder if he thought war would never end.
By: scottsabode on November 9, 2009
at 11:21 am
“……………………………… 2 mins passing…………………” remembering your Grandfather.. and all others. Love H, D&B xxx
By: Helen on November 9, 2009
at 7:59 pm
I am totally embarrassed to say that we do have remembrance day of a sort. I just called my local paper and they informed me that some ceremonies throughout the country will be performed and a parade will be held downtown.
I spoke also to someone at the local Veterans hall who informed me that there will be a ceremony down by the beach where a large rock will be presented with plaque on it to honor the soldiers who stayed here to protect our shores during World War II. Two gentlemen in their 90’s will be present for the ceremony. Later there will be more things happening where local officials will be attending and giving speeches.
Still apparently the poppies have been done away with and for the most part throughout the county there will be little public participation.
Wednesday is a national holiday. schools and banks will be closed.
I have decided to go down to my local craft shop and get a silk poppy and wear it, and see if people comment.
By: Elizabeth Munroz on November 9, 2009
at 11:34 pm
I decided to get more poppies and hand them out to anyone who wants one. See also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day
By: Elizabeth Munroz on November 9, 2009
at 11:43 pm
I think it’s a lovely thing to do (to hand out poppies) ~ I guess it will make people think and reflect.
By: Author on November 10, 2009
at 8:31 am