Lest We Forget
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.In Flanders Fields
(John McCrae, 1915)
Throughout the discussions of warfare and battles, I think it is important to remember that all of these events involved pain, anguish and suffering. Also, however, acts of courage, honour and selflessness have been frequent throughout the history of armed conflict.
I believe that it is important that we remember the sacrifices made on our behalf by the men and women of this and previous generations.