Saturday, November 10, 2012

November 11 @ 11 O'Clock

In Canada each year on November 11 at 11 o'clock, we remember the fallen soldiers. I think many countries have a similar Armistice Day or Remembrance Day.

Photo credit: Remembrance Day Canada


The poem below was written by John McCrae, a Canadian poet, physician, author, artist and soldier during World War I and a surgeon during the Second Battle of Ypres, in Belgium.

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


9 comments:

Joanne Noragon said...

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month...ant there's little more to say. It was not the war to end wars.

Jan said...

Yes, I walked down town to the Cenotaph for the ceremony this morning.

Jo said...

Beautiful remembrance, Penny. We celebrate Remembrance Day in SA as well remembering the many South Africans who fought in WWII. It's often called Poppy Day and crinoline poppies are sold by little old ladies on the streets. These you pin onto your lapel in honour of old soldiers. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend. Hugs Jo

Vores have said...

Hello Joyful
Beautiful idea to commemorate declining soldiers.
Wish you a good Sunday :)
Hugs Hanne Bente

Quay Po Cooks said...

What a great poem for the fallen heros.

Jan said...

Your blog seems to be dedicated to remembrance today Penny. Very moving. An important reminder for us all. xx

momto8 said...

beautiful tribute...

Diane said...

We were reading this poem yesterday, it is very moving. Take care Diane

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

We also celebrate Remembrance Day here on 11th November. We happened to be studying WW I for history in our homeschooling a week ago, this added meaning Remembrance Day for us this year.

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