On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month we recognize Armistice Day.
We remember the calm after the storm of World War I when the fighting ceased, even if briefly. We remember those who died fighting the enemy. Poppies later grew on their graves 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.
-- 1919, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
And the torch does carry on.
Now Veteran's Day, on November 11th, we offer thanks and everlasting gratitude to the many living service men and women, those who carry on the torch of service and who selflessly sacrifice their safety and comfort to protect our country's citizens.
We remember the calm after the storm of World War I when the fighting ceased, even if briefly. We remember those who died fighting the enemy. Poppies later grew on their graves 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.
-- 1919, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae
And the torch does carry on.
Now Veteran's Day, on November 11th, we offer thanks and everlasting gratitude to the many living service men and women, those who carry on the torch of service and who selflessly sacrifice their safety and comfort to protect our country's citizens.
