In 1915, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian Army had just witnessed the death of a friend. He wrote a poem that has become a symbol not only of the “Great War” as World War I was known, but also is a symbol of remembrance of those we lose in war. “In Flanders Fields” brought us the Poppy as a symbol of remembrance we use on days like Memorial Day to honor all men and women who go into harms way for their country, for those who don’t return.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
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.