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.
Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
It's a daunting thing, to swear that, if need be, you will give up your life for your country, and just as daunting a thing to love someone who has sworn that oath. On this day of sad rememberance, may we all honour those who have borne the burden of serving their country by wearing the uniform of their country; and may we all, as members of the human family, work for the day when peace will come to the world.
For Kos, our host, and his family
for llbear, IGTNT's big brother, and his family,
for Otteray Scribe and his son and family,
for raptivio and his cousin and family,
for JaxDem and her husband, and their family
for noweasels and her family,
for soonergrunt and his family,
for Kyril and his family,
for ranger and his family,
for all the men and women of Voice Vets and their families,
for many other Kossacks and their families,
for all the men and women who have worn the uniform of their country
and their families
for those who have fallen and their families:
Thank you for your service.